Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, is a downtown art museum at 1300 1st Ave, a short walk from Pike Place Market. Its collection spans ancient to contemporary art, with works from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Look for Native American and Northwest Coast art, alongside rotating exhibitions that bring new subjects and artists to the galleries. The 48-foot Hammering Man sculpture outside marks the entrance. SAM is one of three museum sites in the city, together with the Seattle Asian Art Museum and Olympic Sculpture Park.
A downtown museum with three locations
The Seattle Art Museum opened to the public in 1933. Today, SAM refers to a group of three sites: the main museum downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront. Each has a distinct setting and collection, so check which location holds an exhibition you want to see.
The main museum is at 1300 1st Ave, close to Pike Place Market. Its large collection ranges from ancient works to contemporary art, with pieces from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The galleries include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and other objects.
Art across regions and periods
Native American and Northwest Coast art is a particular strength of the collection. Look for works connected to the region’s Indigenous communities, including carvings, masks, woven baskets and rugs. Other galleries cover subjects such as African, Asian, European, Islamic and ancient American art, alongside modern and contemporary pieces.
The collection also includes work by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock and Jacob Lawrence. Displays change, and special exhibitions bring additional artists and themes into the museum. Check the current programme before visiting if a particular show is part of your plan.
The building and its entrance
The downtown museum building dates to 1991 and was designed by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. Its exterior combines limestone with geometric forms around the windows. Inside, the Brotman Forum is a large public space with glass walls and adjustable steel panels that control incoming light.
Outside, Jonathan Borofsky’s 48-foot Hammering Man sculpture is one of the museum’s most visible landmarks. The figure repeatedly raises and lowers a hammer, marking the entrance on First Avenue.
Planning a visit
The main museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, with later closing on Thursdays, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission arrangements can differ between the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The supplied ticket information says advance online purchase saves $3, but check the museum’s website for current details before booking.
For more art beyond the downtown galleries, SAM’s other sites are the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and the free Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront. The park is an outdoor extension of the museum and is about a mile away from the main building.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Seattle Art Museum?
The main museum is at 1300 1st Ave in downtown Seattle, near Pike Place Market.
What days is the Seattle Art Museum open?
The main museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. It stays open later on Thursday.
What are SAM’s other locations?
SAM also includes the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park and Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront. The sculpture park is free to enter.
What kind of art can you see at the Seattle Art Museum?
The collection ranges from ancient to contemporary art and includes works from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Native American and Northwest Coast art is a particular focus.
