Top 9 Museums and Galleries in Tacoma, Washington
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma, Washington, is a fantastic place to visit for art and history lovers. This port city boasts a rich history and culture that captures the imagination of visitors and locals alike. There’s always something new to discover in the city’s museums and galleries. So come along with us as we take you on a journey through Tacoma’s top 10 museums and galleries.
- Museum of Glass
Situated on Tacoma’s waterfront, the Museum of Glass will give you a new appreciation for contemporary glass art. Visitors can witness artists working on their pieces in the hot shop or enjoy the stunning exhibits featuring works like bottles, vases, and sculptures from local and international glass artists.
- Washington State History Museum
As the name suggests, in the Washington State History Museum, you can learn all about the history of Washington State. The exhibits bring history to life through interactive displays, and artifacts that educate and entertain. The Washington State Historical Society, which runs the museum, also supports research and heritage organizations across the state.
- Tacoma Art Museum
Discover art that ranges from classic to contemporary at the Tacoma Art Museum. The museum features pieces from regional artists and has collections of paintings and objects from around the world, from Japanese woodblock prints to European paintings and Western American art.
- Foss Waterway Seaport
The Foss Waterway Seaport is a maritime museum in the historic Balfour Dock building that tells the story of Tacoma’s working waterfront. Visitors can enjoy exploring the exhibits and interactive displays, like the Puyallup People exhibit, Where Rails Meet Sailes, exploring the intersection between the seaport and the Northern Pacific Railroad, and even take a ride on a historic tugboat.
- Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Children’s museums make for fun and fascinating learning experiences for kids and their parents alike. So, we encourage you to visit the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, an interactive learning environment that encourages children’s imagination and creativity. Kids can explore hands-on exhibits that include everything from art to science and engineering. If your child has sensory sensitivities, you’ll be glad to know that the museum offers low sensory hours from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Thursday.
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
If you’re interested in cars, then the LeMay- America’s Car Museum is a must-visit destination. The site, which looks like a combination airplane hanger and car dealership from the outside, is home to over 350 vintage cars, motorcycles, and trucks from different periods.
- Karpeles Manuscript Museum
Writers, avid readers, and history buffs will love the atmosphere at The Karpeles Manuscript Museum. The manuscript collection here includes more than a million literary, artistic, and historical documents and displays some of the world’s rarest and most valuable manuscripts.
- Art on the Ave
If you’re interested in exploring the local art scene, Art on the Ave is a great place to start. Located in Tacoma’s historic 6th Avenue district, this community art gallery features works by local artists, performances by musicians, and more. Join the crowd and be inspired.
- Asia Pacific Cultural Center
The Asia Pacific Cultural Center here in Tacoma showcases the arts and traditions of Asia and the Pacific Islands, with the goal of bringing diverse communities together. Visitors here get to enjoy traditional dances, music, and art from all over Asia.
Anyone interested in art, culture, and history will find plenty to do and explore in Tacoma. These top nine museums and galleries are a perfect starting point for checking out the local art scene.
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