Seattle and Tacoma have some truly world-class museums, covering such subjects as aviation, science, and music. Here are my picks for the top Seattle/Tacoma museums.
1. Washington State History Museum
Washington State History Museum ©Angela M. Brown
This Tacoma waterfront museum is home to interactive and high-tech exhibits that make history fun. One of my favorite exhibits addresses Washington's natural history, displaying how the land and mountains of the region were formed over the millenia. While there, you'll learn about the state's Native people, early settlement, industry and resources, and the great Columbia River. Special exhibits vary throughout the year.
2. Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum ©Angela M. Brown
Located near Pike Place Market, you can spend an hour or a whole day at this large and varied art museum. Over 100,000 square feet of new space has been added to the Museum, along with a new entrance at the corner of First Avenue and Union Street, a shop, and a restaurant.
3. Museum of Flight
Visitors to the Museum of Flight will learn about the accomplishments of the aerospace industry. The museum's exhibits cover commercial, military, and civilian aviation as well as space flight. Guests can see a large number of historic air vehicles, including the first Air Force One, a Blackbird spy plane, a reconstruction of the Wright glider, and a B-29 Superfortress.4. Burke Museum
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is located on the University of Washington campus. You'll learn about the plants and animals, both past and present, that call the Northwest home. The Burke museum also has an excellent collection of Native American art and artifacts. Northwest geology and paleontology are also featured at the museum. Special exhibits vary throughout the year.5. Museum of History & Industry
Located near Husky Stadium, MOHAI offers collections and exhibits that preserve Seattle's history from its early pioneer beginnings to today.6. Experience Music Project
Experience Music Project ©EMP/SFM
An interactive music museum, EMP's mission is to inform and inspire visitors of all ages about the roots and future of American music. You'll enjoy a wide variety of interactive and multimedia experiences. You'll have the opportunity to view portions of EMP's collection of close to 80,000 artifacts, including stage costumes and instruments from such popular American music icons as Bob Dylan and Kurt Cobain.
7. Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame
Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame ©EMP/SFM
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, co-located with the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center, explores different facets of science fiction. Museum visitors will learn about the genre's history, creations, and ideas through compelling exhibits and interactive experiences.
8. Tacoma Art Museum
The Tacoma Art Museum moved to new facility in May 2003. Visitors will enjoy their extensive collection of Chihuly art glass as well as their works by Northwest artists. Three of the museum's galleries featuring special exhibitions.9. Museum of Glass: International Center for Contemporary Art
Museum of Glass in Tacoma ©Angela M. Brown
Visitors to Tacoma's Museum of Glass can watch artists at work in the hot shop amphitheater, located in the metal-clad cone. Museum exhibitions feature more than glass art. Contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and installations comprise the majority of the art on view in the museum's gallery.
