The best museums in Seattle in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Seattle, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Seattle, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Seattle.

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Looking for the best museums in Seattle? These are the best ones:

  1. Space Needle1

    Space Needle

     Seattle, WA
    The Space Needle is an iconic observation tower located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. It stands as a symbol of the city and is one of the most recognizable structures in the region. The tower offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular destination for tourists.
  2. Olympic Sculpture Park2

    Olympic Sculpture Park

     Seattle, WA
    The Olympic Sculpture Park is a public park located in downtown Seattle, Washington, United States. It is created and operated by the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). The park features modern and contemporary sculptures, making it a unique attraction in the city.
  3. MoPOP: Museum of Pop Culture3

    MoPOP: Museum of Pop Culture

     Seattle, WA
    The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a cultural center located in the Seattle Center in the United States. It was formerly known as the Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum (EMP|SFM) until 2016. This change in name reflects the museum's broadened focus on all aspects of pop culture, beyond just music and science fiction.
  4. Chihuly Garden and Glass4

    Chihuly Garden and Glass

     Seattle, WA
    Chihuly Garden and Glass is an exhibit located in the Seattle Center, right next to the iconic Space Needle. The exhibit showcases the studio glass art of Dale Chihuly, a renowned glass artist. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate and beautiful glass art pieces created by Chihuly.
  5. Smith Tower5

    Smith Tower

     Seattle, WA
  6. Woodland Park Zoo6

    Woodland Park Zoo

     Seattle, WA
    The Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and a zoo situated in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, USA. It is a recipient of numerous awards across multiple categories. The zoo is a part of the western half of Woodland Park and has a rich history dating back to its establishment on the estate of Guy C. Phinney, a Canadian-born sawmill owner and real estate developer.
  7. Seattle Art Museum7

    Seattle Art Museum

     Seattle, WA
    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.
  8. Online discount!Seattle Aquarium8

    Seattle Aquarium

     Seattle, WA
    The Seattle Aquarium is a public aquarium that has been serving the community since 1977. It is conveniently located on Pier 59 on the Elliott Bay waterfront, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. The aquarium offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs, making it a great destination for families and individuals interested in marine life.
  9. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center9

    Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center

     Seattle, WA
    The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also known as B&MGF or Gates Foundation, is a private foundation established by Bill Gates and Melinda Gates. It is headquartered in the city of Seattle, Washington. The foundation was initially created as the William H. Gates Foundation in 1994 and was later renamed as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 1999.
  10. Volunteer Park Conservatory10

    Volunteer Park Conservatory

     Seattle, WA
  11. Pacific Science Center11

    Pacific Science Center

     Seattle, WA
    The Pacific Science Center is an independent, non-profit science center located in Seattle. Its mission is to ignite curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking. This makes it an ideal destination for those who are interested in science and learning.
  12. Center For Wooden Boats12

    Center For Wooden Boats

     Seattle, WA
    The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a unique museum located in Seattle, dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. It offers a deep dive into the rich maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and maritime culture.
  13. Living Computers: Museum + Labs13

    Living Computers: Museum + Labs

     Seattle, WA
    Living Computers: Museum + Labs (LCM+L) is a computer and technology museum situated in the SoDo neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of computer technology, from vintage computers to contemporary technologies.
  14. 14

    Seattle Pinball Museum

     Seattle, WA
  15. Frye Art Museum15

    Frye Art Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Frye Art Museum, situated in the First Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is a modern and contemporary art museum. It was established in 1952 to display the art collection of Charles and Emma Frye. The museum has since expanded to include rotating temporary exhibitions of emerging and contemporary artists, emphasizing painting and sculpture from the nineteenth century to the present.
  16. Wing Luke Asian Museum16

    Wing Luke Asian Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, located in Seattle, Washington, is a history museum that emphasizes the culture, art, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. This unique institution provides a comprehensive look into the rich and diverse heritage of Asian Pacific Americans, making it a valuable destination for those interested in understanding and appreciating this significant aspect of American history and culture.
  17. Seattle Children's Museum17

    Seattle Children's Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Seattle Children's Museum is conveniently located on the lowest floor of the Armory at the Seattle Center. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  18. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park18

    Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

     Seattle, WA
    The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a significant site that commemorates the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s. This historical event was a major gold rush that took place in the Yukon territory in Canada. The park includes areas that served as stages for the path and roads leading in this direction, largely located in American territory.
  19. Henry Art Gallery19

    Henry Art Gallery

     Seattle, WA
    The Henry Art Gallery, situated on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington, is a contemporary art museum. It is conveniently located on the west edge of the university's campus along 15th Avenue N.E. in the University District, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum offers a unique blend of contemporary art and history of photography, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.
  20. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture20

    Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

     Seattle, WA
    The Burke Museum boasts a collection of over 12 million artifacts and specimens. These include totem poles and dinosaur fossils, with the majority of the collection originating from the state of Washington. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive insight into the natural history and culture of the region.

All museums in Seattle