Don’t Miss Out on Seattle’s Free Museum Days!
The SEattle area has something for everyone, regardless of budget. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some of the city’s finest museums and galleries or get the kiddos out of the house for an afternoon without spending a dime, then you’re in luck! Seattle offers numerous free museum days throughout the year. Simply mark your calendar and get ready to embark on a cost-free museum adventure. Just remember, each museum has its own schedule so be sure to check before you go.
Experience Maritime History for Free!
Come witness maritime history come to life right next to MOHAI at South Lake Union’s Center for Wooden Boats. Discover the art of constructing small wooden boats, take a jaunt through boat shop galleries, or even take a boat out on the water! Best of all, admission is always free. Explore the intersection of Northwest and nautical history at the CWB.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-6pm
Location: 1010 Valley St, Seattle
For more information, visit cwb.org
CoCA has been an essential contributor to contemporary art in the Pacific Northwest for 35 years. It is a space that encourages creative expression and community involvement. CoCA has held galleries and events all over Seattle, and its doors are open to everyone, free of charge!
If you’d like to visit the CoCA and experience the vibrant contemporary art scene
Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 11am-4pm.
Location: 114 3rd Ave S, Seattle.
Learn more at cocaseattle.org.
The Burke Museum at the University of Washington is dedicated to preserving and showcasing natural and cultural collections for everyone to learn, be inspired, generate knowledge, feel joy, and find healing.
The Duwamish Tribe is the host tribe for Seattle, and the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center offers complimentary access to explore and learn about their history and culture. Immerse yourself in the roots of the Pacific Northwest and discover the treasures that have defined the area. The lobby features Duwamish archaeological artifacts and other significant relics from the past.
Exploring Seattle’s First Hill Neighborhood at Frye Art Museum
Perched atop Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood is the Frye Art Museum – a beloved destination that happens to be free every day! First established by Charles and Emma Frye, who aimed to share their private collection of over 230 paintings with the public, it was Seattle’s first-ever free museum. Feel free to drop in any day except for Monday to marvel at their 19th century paintings and sculptures, or simply relax in the Frye Salon, which is home to many pieces from the founding collection. Take a moment to appreciate the vision that lives on in honor of these two art enthusiasts’ devotion to the Seattle community.
Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-5pm
Discover Seattle’s Golden History at No Cost!
Make your way to Pioneer Square for a chance to learn about the city’s golden days during the Klondike Gold Rush. And don’t worry, the admission is always free! With two floors of exhibits, films and some good old Seattle history, you’ll get a taste of the city’s rich past. Plus, if you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day (limited hours), you can enjoy gold panning demos. So, what are you waiting for? Get digging for gold during the listed hours below!
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
FREE EVERYDAY
Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Take a trip to the Snoqualmie Depot! Enjoy a free railway ride and visit the oldest continuously operating train depot in Washington state. Don’t forget to hop on one of their wine trains, which operate seasonally for a moderate fee. The Railway History Campus is set to reopen for the 2023 season on Friday, January 20, with train rides scheduled for Saturdays starting on January 21.
Hours: 10am-5pm
Experience the Thrill of Flight at the Largest Independent Non-Profit Air and Space Museum in the Country
Head down to Tukwila and explore the vast collection of vintage and modern air and spacecrafts at this incredible museum. Take in the sights and sounds of aviation history, and don’t miss the chance to watch a movie in a grounded Boeing 737 (pun intended).
Hours: Daily: 10am-5pm / First Thursdays: 5pm-9pm
MOHAI sits majestically on the water’s edge in Seattle’s bustling South Lake Union neighborhood. The museum serves as a refreshing take at the positive impacts of innovation and technology on Seattle. Walk through the city’s cultural, societal and technological heritage, and be sure to climb to the top floor periscope for a 360° view of the city. Coming in May starts an exhibit on the fashion and functionality of PNW attire, so dawn your Patagonia puffer and head on down to the MOHAI.
Hours: Daily: 10 am-5 pm / First Thursdays: 5-8pm
Discover the Legacy and Evolution of Nordic Culture Through Music, Clothing, and Furniture at The Nordic Museum
The Nordic Museum offers fascinating exhibits on Viking history, but that’s not all! You can also explore Nordic culture over time through music, clothing, furniture, and more. Additionally, the museum offers exciting classes – from mead making to other Nordic crafts – throughout the year.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
Discover African American History and Culture at Northwest African American Museum
The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Although the museum currently only offers pop-up and virtual exhibitions and events, you can stay updated on their page for the latest news and developments.
You can explore the rich history of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest through visual arts, music, crafts, and literature. The museum strives to celebrate, commemorate, and present Black experiences while maintaining the ties between the PNW and their African descent citizens.
Visit during their business hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10am-5pm / First Thursday: 10am-7pm
Location: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle
For more information, visit Naamnw.org.
Explore the Seattle Art Museum’s downtown location for a diverse range of collections, installations, and special exhibitions. Be sure to check their website for upcoming exhibitions and promotions.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 10am–5pm
Discover Seattle’s History at the “Birthplace of Seattle”
Step into the Log House Museum, presented by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, for a dose of Seattle’s rich history. Built in 1904 from logs adorned with native flora from the Pacific Northwest, the museum aims to preserve the heritage of the Duwamish Peninsula and educate the city on its Alki roots.
When planning day trips from Seattle, it’s important to dress or pack accordingly, especially since some locations are closer to the coast or higher in elevation. Dressing in layers is key to being prepared for any weather conditions, even during the summer months when it’s less likely to be cold or rainy.
The climate in Seattle can vary, so be sure to check the weather report before heading out and always wear your sunscreen! Even though the sky might be overcast, it’s still possible to get sunburned in the often-cloudy Pacific Northwest. Like my mom always said “Layers, Layers, Layers when in the PNW”
Hey there! I’m Maureen, a lifestyle blogger and Real Estate Broker at American Classic Homes Real Estate in the Pacific Northwest. Here to help you find your perfect home and share tips on living your best life in the PNW. Let’s come home together to the Pacific Northwest!
