Seattle Art Museum/ Seattle Asian Art Museum 1300 First Ave. (206) 625-8900
webmaster@seattleartmuseum.orgwww.seattleartmuseum.orgSeattle Art Museum is internationally recognized for its excellent collection of Asian, African and Native American art and for its fine collection of modern art produced by Pacific Northwest artists. The permanent collection includes 21,000 pieces and while it doesn’t have huge collections of European art, it does have plentiful local art and wonderful visiting exhibits. The museum is centrally located downtown near the waterfront and Pike Place Market. The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, site of the original SAM, contains a fine collection of art and artifacts from the Pacific Rim.
Olympic Sculpture Park 2901 Western Ave. Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 654-3100
www.seattleartmuseum.orgThe Olympic Sculpture Park began as a commitment between the Seattle Art Museum and the Trust for Public Land, and quickly grew into a green mecca of architectural art and beautifully crafted landscapes. In addition to mathematical sculptures, new-wave basket weaving and the artistic greenhouse designed by the likes of artists Tony Smith, Pedro Reyes and Mark Dion, the Olympic Sculpture Park has big plans for restoring Seattle’s local environment by introducing new engineered soil to reduce rain runoff and encourage native plants and wildlife nearby. The views include both the Seattle port and the Olympic mountain range and admission is free all year long.
Northwest African American Museum
2300 S. Massachusetts St. (206) 518-6000 www.naamnw.org
African Americans are descended from many places of origin and religious backgrounds representing all walks of life. NAAM explores how the African American experience in Seattle and the Northwest has shaped our region and how the story goes on.
Wing Luke Asian Museum 719 S. King St. (206) 623-5124 www.wingluke.org
In Seattle’s International District, this museum depicts the story of the Asian-American experience in America through historic photographs, artwork and text. Learn the history of the people who traveled from Asia to the United States, the problems they faced, the contributions they made and more. The museum store features photographs, video documentaries and books on Asian-American culture.
Nordic Heritage Museum 3014 NW 67th St. (206) 789-5707
www.nordicmuseum.orgA well-thought out museum that allows Seattle to maintain its connection with its Scandinavian roots. Artwork, art openings and music are part of the ongoing offerings as well as historical photos and artifacts.
Henry Art Gallery
On the UW campus at 15th Ave. N. E. and 41st St. (206) 543-2280 www.henryart.org
This museum stands as one of the Northwest’s leading centers of modern and contemporary art. Its location makes it convenient to a nice mix of cultural and educational facilities in the University District. Along with its collection and exhibits, the Henry also hosts frequent lectures, readings and other events. Museum of History and Industry 2700 24th Ave. E. (206) 324-1126
MOHAI is dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation. MOHAI has around 4 million objects in the collection, including some 100,000
artifacts, and 1.5 million photographs, and extensive archives.
Collections focus on Seattle’s early settlement (ca. 1850) through present-day, and concentrate on the stories and achievements of Seattle’s residents. It is best known for its photographic collection.
Frye Art Museum 704 Terry Ave. (206) 622-9250
Charles and Emma Frye arrived in Seattle in 1888. Throughout a 25-year period, they amassed a large collection (eventually more than 230 pieces) of fine art painted by both American and European artists, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries. A trust in Charles Frye’s will made provisions for a free public art museum. Located on First Hill, the Frye Art Museum also includes the Gallery Cafe. Free parking is also available across from the main entrance. Call ahead for visiting hours.
SEATTLE CENTER AND ITS ATTRA CTIONS 305 Harrison St. (206) 684-7200
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, then turned into a city park, the Seattle Center is still Seattle’s chief gathering place. Fountains, museums, theaters and amusement arcades punctuate sweeping lawns and tree-lined walkways. Three times a year, in May, July and September, people swarm the grounds for the Folklife, Bite of Seattle and Bumbershoot festivals. The grounds contain the Experience Music Project, the Space Needle, one end of the Monorail, the Seattle Children’s Theater and the Pacific Science Center. All 74 acres of the Seattle Center is buzzing with activity and why not? More than 5,000 free performances are held in various cultural festivals to concerts all through the year especially summer. Every museum and theatre stage comes alive including the eight fountains.
Attractions at the Seattle Center:
KeyArena, Marion Oliver McCaw Hall (home of the Seattle Opera and the Pacific Northwest Ballet), Center