Exploring Seattle's Museums Without Spending a Dime
Affordable Museum Visits in Seattle: A Guide for Budget-Conscious Culture Enthusiasts
Exploring the rich cultural landscape of Seattle doesn't have to break the bank. Here's a comprehensive guide to various museums and programs that offer discounted or free admission, making it easier than ever to immerse yourself in the city's artistic and historical offerings.
Free First Thursday Events
Many museums in the Seattle area offer free admission on the first Thursday of every month or during specific months. The Seattle Art Museum provides free admission on the first Thursday of each month, along with extended evening hours and special activities from 5 to 8 pm. Similarly, the Wing Luke Museum offers free admission on First Thursday evenings from May through September, 5 to 8 pm.
Always Free Museums
Some Seattle museums have daily free admission, such as the Frye Art Museum, Klondike Gold Rush Museum, and Olympic Sculpture Park.
Discounted Admission for Seniors and Teens
Seattle Art Museum offers $5 admission to seniors (65+) on the first Friday of each month and $5 tickets for teens through the TeenTix program.
Library Museum Pass Programs
Tacoma Public Library provides free passes granting admission to several local museums, regional gardens, and parks. These passes can be checked out like books to save on admission fees.
Special Packages and Programs
The Seattle C3® package offers up to 31% off admission to the Seattle Art Museum plus two other top Seattle attractions. The Museums for All program provides free admission to low-income individuals and families at participating museums including Seattle Art Museum.
Museums with Lower-Cost Annual Memberships
The Museum of Flight and MOHAI offer lower-cost annual memberships.
Free Admission on First Thursdays
The Burke Museum is a wonderland of dino skeletons, fossils, creature exhibits, hands-on fun, and opportunities to see scientists in action. Visiting the Burke is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of the month from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (reserve tickets online). The Children's Museum of Tacoma has a warm and modern home, creative play spaces, and an attractive pricing policy—pay what you can on any day the museum is open to the public (members enjoy additional members-only hours).
Free Admission on Third Thursdays
Several Tacoma museums offer free admission on third Thursdays (usually in the evening; check hours). Museum of Glass in Tacoma offers free admission every third Thursday, 5-8 p.m.
Other Discount Programs
Other discount programs include Museums for All (for those receiving SNAP benefits) and Blue Star Museums (for families with active-duty service members). Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia offers a number of free- and reduced-admission programs. Children's Museum of Skagit County in Burlington participates in the Museums for All program, and has Community Access Days on the second Tuesday of each month with pay-as-you-can admission.
Free Museums
Bug & Reptile Museum in Bremerton is a free museum. Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton is also a free museum. White River Valley Museum in Auburn offers free admission thanks to a grant. Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle offers free admission. Olympic Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle offers nine acres of outdoor sculptures and incredible views, and is always free.
Discounted Admission
Discounts are available for Washington residents at some museums, including MoPOP (15 percent off admission) and Pacific Science Center. Local residents sometimes get deals at Chihuly Garden and Glass, for example; and reduced admission to area museums are often available through AAA membership discounts or to Microsoft Prime Passport holders.
Seattle CityPASS
Seattle CityPASS offers a discount ticket to five of the city's top attractions, including Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, MoPOP, Argosy Cruises, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center, and the Space Needle.
With these strategies in mind, you can enjoy Seattle's cultural institutions affordably or free of charge. Always check museum websites for the latest details and seasonal changes.
- Immerse your family in the city's artistic and historical offerings without strain on your budget through affordable or free museum visits in Seattle.
- On the first Thursday of each month, explore the Seattle Art Museum and Wing Luke Museum for free, with extended hours and special activities from 5 to 8 pm.
- The Frye Art Museum, Klondike Gold Rush Museum, and Olympic Sculpture Park offer daily free admission for kids, teens, and adults alike.
- seniors (65+) can enjoy discounted admission at Seattle Art Museum for just $5 on the first Friday of each month, while teens can do so through the TeenTix program.
- Library Museum Pass Programs, such as Tacoma Public Library's offering, grant free admission to various local museums, regional gardens, and parks when checked out like books.
- Explore special packages and programs like the Seattle C3® package, offering up to 31% off admission to the Seattle Art Museum and other top Seattle attractions, or the Museums for All program, providing free admission to low-income individuals and families at participating museums, including Seattle Art Museum.
- Apart from Seattle, museums in Tacoma like the Museum of Glass and Children's Museum of Tacoma offer free admission on specific Thursdays, while some, like the Bug & Reptile Museum, Puget Sound Navy Museum, White River Valley Museum, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, and Olympic Sculpture Park, are always free.
