The Seattle Art Museum's collection began with 1926 artworks and has since grown to approximately 23,000 works through acquisitions and donations. The collection spans a wide range of periods, from antiquity to the present, and includes artworks from Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Oceania. It features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and other craft objects.
In 1991, the Seattle Art Museum relocated to its current museum building located in downtown Seattle. This move marked a significant milestone in the museum's history. Additionally, in 2007, the museum opened the Olympic Sculpture Park directly on the coast. This park, managed by the museum, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy art in an outdoor setting.
The Seattle Art Museum has a rich history of hosting numerous major special and traveling exhibitions. The first major traveling exhibition hosted by the museum was "India: Its Achievements of the Past" in 1944. These exhibitions provide visitors with an opportunity to experience a variety of art forms and styles from different cultures and periods.
Art & Design Ancient art Applied art Contemporary art Modern art Person & Artist Photography Renaissance art & Early modern art
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Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | Closed |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
1st Avenue 1300, Seattle
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Seattle Art Museum has 1 rating.
The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) offers a diverse collection of art from various cultures and time periods. Visitors appreciate the mix of contemporary, modern, and traditional artworks, including notable Native American and African pieces. The museum's rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
The museum's downtown location is convenient, and many enjoy the outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park, which is part of SAM. The building's architecture and layout are generally well-received, providing a pleasant viewing experience.
However, some visitors feel that the permanent collection could be more extensive, and others mention that certain areas of the museum can feel cramped during busy times. A few reviewers note that the admission price is a bit high, although the free first Thursdays are popular.
The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience. The gift shop and cafe receive mixed reviews, with some finding them overpriced.
Overall, the Seattle Art Museum is a solid cultural institution in the city, offering a good, if not exceptional, art museum experience. It's worth a visit for art enthusiasts and those looking to explore Seattle's cultural scene, but may not be a top priority for all tourists.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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