celebrate International Museum Day by visiting Seattle's top four museums

As we celebrate International Museum Day on May 18, we’re excited to highlight some of the best museums in Seattle, a city that is renowned for its diverse and fascinating cultural offerings. So if you’re an art or history buff, read on for the top four museums you must visit while in town! 

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Let’s start with the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. This unique museum showcases the breathtaking works of artist Dale Chihuly, whose glass-blown art installations are world-renowned for their beauty and intricacy. As you wander through the museum, you’ll see eight galleries and three drawing walls, showcasing the best of his work. 

The centerpiece of the museum is the Glasshouse, a 100-foot-long glass and steel structure that is suspended in a glass conservatory, covering 4,500 square feet of space. The massive sculpture was created using a color palette of reds, oranges, yellows and ambers to create a truly breathtaking piece of art that looks different based on every angle and time of day. 

Another unique feature of this museum is the lush gardens that are infused with Chihuly’s work. A special plant collection was carefully picked and designed to be a backdrop for his art. Enjoy taking a casual stroll through the gardens and be prepared to be in awe over how the art and gardens complement each other. You can also attend the museum at night and observe the sculptures lit up! 

The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP)

The Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MOPOP, houses all things pop culture. From music to film, there are many interesting exhibits no matter what you’re interested in. One of the most popular and interactive exhibits is the Sound Lab, where guests are invited to get hands on with the many tools of rock ‘n’ roll. Test out your skills on electric guitars, drums and turntables, and enjoy getting a taste of how music is made - all within one of the 12 soundproof rooms!

If you’re a Nirvana fan, you’re in luck because MOPOP is home to the world’s largest collection of artifacts celebrating the history of this Seattle-born punk band. You’ll be able to see things like Kurt Cobain’s Fender Stratocaster and Dave Grohl’s Tama Rockstar-Pro drum kit. In total, there are over 200 unique items to view in this exhibit. If hip-hop is a genre of interest, stop by the Contact High exhibit, a visual display that explores the rise of artists like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Missy Elliot, and Jay-Z. You’ll be taken on a story of the rise of hip-hop in the United States and there are even some rare artifacts to view, such as early rap battle flyers and Tupac Shakur manuscripts. 

Other notable exhibitions are Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, and Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Films. You could spend all day exploring MOPOP, and we suggest you do! 

The Museum of Flight

If aviation is your passion, The Museum of Flight is the world’s largest air and space museum. Here you can explore over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, thousands of artifacts, and many unique exhibits. You will learn about the history of aviation, use a flight simulator, and so much more! 

One of their brand new exhibits is Apollo, which captures the story of the race to the moon. At this exhibit, you will see the largest display of the F-1 rocket engines that launched Apollo 12 and 16, an early Soviet space suit, and even a Boeing lunar rover. One of the best aspects of this museum is how interactive it is. Not only do you get to see a diverse array of aircraft, but you’ll also get the chance to touch them and even sit in them. The Museum of Flight is one of the only places where you can sit in the cockpit of a Blackbird, the fastest, highest-flying jet ever built! 

If you prefer to book a tour, there are many to choose from, but a fan favorite is the Flight Simulator. Take a seat and find out exactly what it felt like to be a pilot-gunner in air combat in one of nine different aircraft, including WWI, WW11, and modern jets. You’ll experience 360-degree rolls with visuals and sounds that will make you feel like you are truly 30,000 feet high! 

Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a destination that is not to be missed for art enthusiasts and culture seekers. With over 25,000 works in its collection, SAM is a world-class museum that offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

The museum's collection is diverse and ranges from ancient art to contemporary works. Visitors can explore the vibrant and varied cultures of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. SAM also showcases a vast array of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts from across the globe. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring both established and emerging artists from around the world. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to engage with new and exciting art forms, from paintings and sculptures to installations and performance art.

SAM has three locations in downtown Seattle. The main museum, located in the heart of downtown, is a striking architectural landmark designed by renowned architect Robert Venturi. The museum's permanent collection is housed on several floors, with each level offering visitors a unique experience of art and culture. The Olympic Sculpture Park is SAM's outdoor location, situated on nine acres of parkland overlooking Puget Sound. This sculpture park features contemporary sculptures and installations by international artists, as well as breathtaking views of the water and mountains. Finally, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is SAM's historic location in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This museum reopened in 2020 after a major renovation and expansion, providing visitors with a new perspective on the art and culture of Asia. The Asian Art Museum's collection spans thousands of years and includes works from China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. 

Now that we’ve explored some of the best museums in Seattle, let’s talk about where to stay while you’re visiting this beautiful city. The Coast Gateway Hotel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfortable accommodations with easy access to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and all the best Seattle has to offer. Hotel 116, a Coast Hotel is also located in Seattle, just off the freeway in the heart of Bellevue. This beautiful hotel is also in close proximity to Seattle's Eastside "silicon forest", a short drive to Microsoft, Amazon, Google and other major technology headquarters. 

But Coast Gateway Hotel & Hotel 116, a Coast Hotel offers more than just convenience. With spacious rooms, comfortable beds, pet-friendly accommodations, and all the amenities you need to feel right at home, the hotel is the perfect base for your Seattle adventures. Plus, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help you plan your itinerary and make the most of your visit, they are the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore Seattle and all its amazing museums!