4 Seattle Art Museums to Visit

We’re in the framing business, so it’s no secret that we’re art fans. Fortunately, Seattle has plenty to offer in the way of art, and much of it can be found at our city’s local museums. Whether you’re a fellow Seattle resident looking to experience some culture or a tourist exploring the area, here are four top museum picks not to miss.

Henry Art Gallery

For a chance to see an exciting art space that explores the avant-garde, the Henry Art Gallery is a must-see.

This regularly rotating showcase for contemporary art is located on the University of Washington campus. It’s a dynamic and constantly changing hub that regularly defies expectations.

The gallery also features an auditorium, a café for visitors, and a beautiful outdoor space. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and entrance is free on the first Thursday of each month. Standard admission is $10 for adults and free for children and students.

Seattle Art Museum

The top of the list for any serious art fan in Seattle will have to be the Seattle Art Museum. SAM is a world-class art museum with something for everyone. It was renovated and expanded in 2007 and features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibits. The collections range from ancient to modern, from the Mediterranean to the Islamic world. The exhibitions of Native American art from Pacific Northwest natives are an especially large draw.

Adult tickets are just under $20 for general admission, and there are often special events and guest speakers worth looking into. First Thursdays are free for general admission and all special exhibitions are half-price.

Frye Art Museum

For a beautiful smaller museum experience, visit the Frye Art Museum. Entry is always free, and there are new and adventurous contemporary art exhibitions all the time. Local Seattle business leaders founded it in 1952.

In addition to a luxurious café and a wide range of visiting speakers, film screenings, and other programming, the permanent collection offers some contemporary art installations and an engaging range of works from German and American painters from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Seattle Asian Art Museum

While currently undergoing renovations, the Seattle Asian Art Museum typically displays an impressive collection of Asian art from all over the continent. Museum staff continues to offer an exciting mix of programs and lectures to the public during the renovations, and the new and improved museum is expected to reopen better than ever in 2019.