Top 20 Seattle attractions

Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is located in downtown. It's easily identified by the imposing form of the 48-foot Hammering Man on 1st Avenue and University.

The interior of the museum is light and spacious, with four floors of exhibits including Native American galleries, European Art, Modern & Contemporary Art.

There's also a modern café, cool and gift shop with some unique items.

The Seattle Art Museum is centrally located in downtown Seattle, at 1300 1st Avenue. Check hours & admission.

Walk a few blocks to the waterfront to check out the vibrant Pike Place Market with flowers, produce and quirky shops. You can also take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, or explore the local marine life at the Seattle Aquarium.

10 best things to see at Seattle Art Museum

1.  Watch the imposing form of the moving 48-foot Hammering Man, out the front of the Seattle Art Museum.

2.  Stand in awe of the 105-foot long Middle Fork sculpture suspended from the lobby of the Seattle Art Museum.

3.  See striking face masks and totem poles in Native Art of the Americas.

4. Admire the earliest paintings of the breathtaking Pacific Northwest landscape in American Art.

5.  Get up close to famous artworks by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock in Modern & Contemporary Art

6.  See oil paintings and etchings from masters like Matisse, Albrecht Durer, and Rembrandt, in the European Collection.

7.  Admire the craftsmanship of masks, vessels and figurines from African Art.

8.  View a haunting Egyptian Funerary Portrait from the 1st or 2nd Century, in Ancient Mediterranean.

9.  Check out the free Chase Open Studio for kids.

10. Find beautifully curated books, toys and jewelry at the SAM Shop.

Enjoy a meal at Market Seattle at the Seattle Art Museum.

Know before you go 

  • Tickets and hours: Check here.  
  • Address:  1300 1st Avenue, Seattle WA 98101.
  • Parking:  Russell Investments Parking Garage.
  • Cafe:  yes.

Other art galleries in Seattle

Visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the FREE Frye Art Museum, both just minutes from downtown.  The contemporary Henry Art Gallery is on the University of Washington campus.

More Art Museums in Seattle

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