All contemporary art museums to visit in Washington state

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 14 museums in Washington state. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Washington state:

  1. Olympic Sculpture Park1

    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.
  2. Chihuly Garden and Glass2

    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.
  3. Seattle Art Museum3

    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.
  4. Frye Art Museum4

    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.
  5. Museum of Glass5

    Museum of Glass

     Tacoma, WA
    The Museum of Glass, located in Tacoma, Washington, is a contemporary art museum that spans 75,000 square feet. The museum is dedicated to the medium of glass, showcasing a variety of glass artworks and installations. Since its inception, the museum has been a hub for artists, educators, and enthusiasts of the studio glass movement.
  6. Henry Art Gallery6

    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.
  7. Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center7

    Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center

     Seattle, WA
    The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center is a significant Native American cultural center situated in Seattle, Washington. It is nestled within the expansive 20 acres of Seattle's Discovery Park, in the Magnolia neighborhood. The center serves as an urban base for Native Americans in the Seattle area, providing a space for cultural activities, education, and art.
  8. Monarch Sculpture Park8

    Monarch Sculpture Park

     Tenino, WA
    The Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park is an outdoor art gallery situated along the Chehalis Western Trail near Tenino, in southern Thurston County, Washington. This unique location offers visitors the opportunity to experience art in a natural setting, surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape.
  9. Seattle Asian Art Museum9

    Seattle Asian Art Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Seattle Asian Art Museum, often abbreviated as SAAM, is situated in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States. It is nestled within the beautiful Volunteer Park, making it a serene location for art enthusiasts to explore. The museum is part of the larger Seattle Art Museum and is housed in an Art Deco building dating back to 1933.
  10. Northwest African American Museum10

    Northwest African American Museum

     Seattle, WA
    The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is situated in the Central District neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, an area with a rich African-American history. The museum is housed in the former Colman School, a building that holds the status of a City of Seattle landmark. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds to the historical significance of the exhibits and programs it offers.
  11. Museum of Museums11

    Museum of Museums

     Seattle, WA
    The Museum of Museums, also known as MoM, was a contemporary art center located in Seattle, Washington. It was managed by Greg Lundgren, a curator, artist, and entrepreneur. This museum was a hub for contemporary art, offering a unique experience for art enthusiasts.
  12. Tacoma Art Museum12

    Tacoma Art Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Tacoma Art Museum, also known as TAM, is located in Tacoma, Washington, United States. The museum's primary focus is on the art and artists from the Pacific Northwest and the broader western region of the U.S. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in exploring the rich artistic heritage of these regions.
  13. Kidsquest Children's Museum13

    Kidsquest Children's Museum

     Bellevue, WA
    KidsQuest Children's Museum is an interactive institution that promotes learning through play. The museum places a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), making it an ideal place for children to explore these areas in a fun and engaging way.
  14. Bellevue Arts Museum14

    Bellevue Arts Museum

     Bellevue, WA
    The Bellevue Arts Museum, located in Bellevue, Washington, is a hub for contemporary visual art, craft, and design. As part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area, the museum is easily accessible for tourists visiting the region. Established as a nonprofit organization in 1975, the museum has been providing rotating arts exhibitions to the public for several decades.