So much to see here! All of the staff we spoke to were so friendly and gave great customer service…read more- a true rarity these days. We most recently visited so my kiddo could check out the Dino exhibit. Online/on the website they had mentioned fossil digs so my kid was really looking forward to that. When we went through all 4 levels of the museum though, there was no fossil dig to be found. After asking staff , they mentioned it's only once or twice a year. A bit of a bummer since that's the main thing my kid wanted to do! Just 1 star off for that. The husky scavenger hunt kind of made up for it! If you're coming with a kid they'll offer the scavenger hunt & I'd highly recommend it to make the visit more interesting for the little ones! All in all I definitely recommend checking out the Burke Museum & also stop by Off the Rez (connected cafe) while you visit!

The natural history sections aren't the biggest, but the Burke uses the space well and has good…read moredensity. It's small but they manage to pack in some surprisingly big Dinos and Mammals. To me, where this museum really shines, is the Native exhibits offering both past and present history on rotation and access to working scientists. I always learn a lot when I go. When the wet lab is active may be my favorite part. Watching animal skeletons prepped. Might be a little gross for some people so check the schedule if you are squeamish. Another note for Parents is that there is a small play area on the top floor. Perfect for rainy days with the little ones. The surrounding University grounds are great to let them run around as well. There is a Starbucks at the Suzzallo Library and bathrooms too if you left the Burke and have a kid who needs to go even after they were prompted a million times before you exited the Burke! There are also tons of food options and a couple small grocery stores nearby. Which is great if you/your group have dietary needs. The light rail station is very close by and many buses drop off / pick up right across the street. Public transit to this location is quite good and I recommend it, especially since youth 18 and under are free to ride.

I arrived at Cascadia Art Museum at 5:06 PM, expecting to explore the exhibits during regular hours…read moresince Apple Maps had listed them as open until 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, the museum had already closed to the public. Luckily, Sydney kindly invited me to stay for a private evening event that was just about to begin. The $20 admission ended up being incredibly worthwhile. Before the event I was able to walk around and see the gallery entirely while the staff set -up. The event featured a guest lecture by Dr. Simon Lhopiteau, a Paris-based art historian who recently opened a studio in Seattle. His talk centered on Henry Saÿen, a chemist-turned-painter whose work is rarely acknowledged in mainstream art history. We discussed Saÿen's invention of the self-regulating X-ray tube, his move to Paris during the rise of the avant-garde, and the influence of Henri Matisse on his artistic development. Dr. Lhopiteau also spoke about how both Henry Saÿen and Henri Matisse were among the early artists to shape the foundation of modern self-portraiture. Their work explored internal perception just as much as external form, and this introspective approach helped redefine how artists captured the self. He also shared how abstract and impressionist art in the early 20th century was not just rejected by the public, but often met with deep hostility and even violence. One of the highlights of the evening was Saÿen's 1903 painting titled Primitive Agricultures. We also explored the legendary artist gatherings at Le Dôme café in Paris and discussed the deeper connection between light, geometry, and perception in modern painting. The entire conversation felt alive--intellectually rich, spontaneous, and deeply human. It was one of the most engaging experiences I've had in a long time. Before leaving, I visited the museum gift shop and picked out a beautiful orange floral scarf for my mom. The shop was just as thoughtfully curated as the rest of the space. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Nancy, one of the museum ambassadors, who was incredibly kind and insightful. She told me about her travels through the Balkan countries and the museums and art collections she visited abroad. I shared my love for Renaissance art and armor from the Middle Ages and she encouraged me to visit France to experience those collections firsthand. I mentioned that my niece is French and currently studying there, so now I have even more reason to go. Before I left, I met Julie, the museum's education director, and learned that her academic thesis focused on Renaissance art and the representation of women. It was such an energizing conversation. She even gave me a list of local spots to eat, which meant a lot since I needed to grab dinner for my family after the event. I have attached the photos part of the current exhibit to this review to encourage people to see art in person because it is of amazing quality and deserves recognition. Had I arrived during regular hours, I probably would have paid $12 or gotten in free with my student ID, but I'm honestly glad I came when I did. Cascadia is not just a museum. It's a place of conversation, discovery, and connection. Whether you're visiting for the art or open to the unexpected, it's absolutely worth the experience.

I had the pleasure of attending a curator talk at the Cascadia Art Museum, and it was phenomenon!!…read moreDavid Martin is a dynamic speaker and is a world recognized art historian of northwest style arts. He walked us through an exhibit called "Urban Scenes of Seattle: 1910-1960". Apparently in the "old days" and before the internet, Eastern U.S. arts are influenced primarily by European arts, while Western U.S. arts are influenced by both European arts and Asian arts. As a result, these mid-1900s regional arts has an intriguing amalgam of art styles from other parts of the world while serving as a historical data point of our area. I highly, highly recommend attending one of his "coffee with the curator" talks that give so much behind-the-scenes story of the artists, many of whom David personally knows. Other than the Urban Scenes exhibit, they are currently featuring a special exhibit of Christmas cards that are individually made by local artists that were sent to family and friends. No two are the same! The museum is modest size but packs a punch! It is definitely a local gem. Housed in an old Safeway building, it shares space with a bistro in the same building. Their museum store also has excellent pieces from artists and/or uniquely curated pieces. And they sell books written by David Martin. He'll autograph them if you want!

I selected this unincorporated town to explore on a recent trip. It was quaint and enjoyable, the…read moresmall museum was full of organized artifacts and records, the local historic homes were beautiful and the docents/ people were welcoming, hospitable and informative. Thank you!!!! I will be back to explore another section of your lovely area.

I love a small community historical museum and this space didn't disappoint. I carved out about an…read morehour to spend was able to wander on my own for quite some time. The board secretary was on hand (a recently retired school teacher) and filled in some gaps for me. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the local history and shared wonderful stories about the museum and the area. The museum is currently going through a capital campaign and will be expanding their grounds to include tours of a historic home. They have lovely space for picnics and hope to also offer space for weddings in the future. They currently have a large open field and an amphitheater that can be used for outdoor summer concerts. Not sure if I need to go back - I think I saw everything that there is to see. But if you are interested in local history and are in the area; I can't more highly recommend a visit!

FREE! Look for the puffer fish at the back window. Museum is free and or donation.read more

On our little day trip to Port Gamble, I had encountered many places that I was just too scared to…read morego into. I admit, I'm not use to that kind of town (as pretty as it may be). Of Sea & Shore was located in the general store that they have there. The actual store was packed but we were the only two who checked out the museum at the time. Needless to say, it was pretty interesting! Probably one of the highlights of the trip. They have a nice collection of a large variety of sea animals (which I have an interest in. They just look so much like aliens!) And they give you the explanation of most of the creatures there, so you'll definitely learn something! I really suggest anyone who goes over to Port Gamble to check this museum out. Especially anyone with children! It's a great experience and who can argue with the price being free?!

The volunteer that met us at the entrance was very knowledgeable and seemed passionate about his…read morejob. Great museum with educational videos, and some hands on for both adults and children.

My wife and I had the best time exploring this museum. We spent over 3 hours looking over and…read morereading the fascinating displays. There's tons to see and learn and knowledgeable docents to add their personal knowledge and life experience. The parking is plentiful and free and admission is free, but why not sign the visitor book and then donate a few bucks to this great place to help keep things going. Very highly recommended!

Terrific museum. Enjoyed the docent tour and highly recommend. Bruce Lee exhibit is cool. Learned a…read morelot about Wing Luke who is an inspiration. Incredible legacy he has given us.

Really enjoyed our recent visit with our kiddo. They have a little interactive space for kids that…read morewe spent a good amount of time in. We also loved their gift shop, so many adorable things there! I had to limit myself from buying too much. The museum is close to all of the great Chinatown foods.

Not quite worth the effort. A bit difficult to get to, the U.S. Coast Guard Museum is open only on…read moreMonday, Wednesday and Friday. To get there, you can drive onto the Coast Guard base (be prepared to show vehicle registration and current insurance) or there is plenty of off-base parking. You have to enter through the main gate (show ID) and a volunteer from the Museum will pick you up and drive you through the base to the Museum. I almost would have preferred that the volunteer drove me the long way to the museum, because the base itself seem fascinating - with one of the large ice-cutters homeported. According to the website, the ice cutters may be available to visitors, but I never asked and the volunteer never mentioned. The museum itself is a one-room building, with hundreds of Coast Guard items one display, including large models of coast guard ships, the ship's bell from an Admiral Peary ship, items from a captured German trawler, ships wheels, uniforms, etc. Not much in the way of explanatory materials or historical context - but the volunteers are friendly, knowledge and looking for visitors to talk to.

What a gem…read more Maintained by volunteers. No admission and free parking. Director came and got us at the gate and we followed his car from the Coast Guard entrance to the museum. Small. But some very fascinating artifacts. We were the only ones there so we had the full attention of the very friendly and nice Director.

When on Bainbridge Island stop by the museum, open Wednesday thru Sunday, after stopping at the…read moreJapanese American Exclusion memorial.

Really good and interesting little museum and it was FREE. The docent was a Japanese woman who'd…read moregrown up on the island and been relocated to Manzanar during WW2. Lots of interesting exhibits and artifacts.