Tacoma’s museums range from big to small and encompass a fair number of topics. Best of all, the best museums in Tacoma are all located in the downtown area, often within walking distance of each other. This can make a great day out and museum hopping is an activity guaranteed to be popular with out-of-town visitors. Taking a walking tour of the public artwork downtown is another way to check out the museums in town.
Tacoma Art Museum
The Tacoma Art Museum is perhaps the best-known museum in Tacoma. It is not large, but has a good permanent collection as well as interesting and always-changing temporary exhibits. The permanent collection has pieces by Tacoma-born artist Dale Chihuly as well as studio glass by other artists. It also contains Japanese wood block prints, European paintings and sculptures, artistic jewelry, but the most famous artwork here is likely Leroy, the large cardboard puppy by Scott Fife. Not all pieces are on display at one time, so along with temporary exhibits, you will also see different facets of this permanent collection, making repeat visits possible. Inside the museum is a gift shop, a café, and event spaces. Events take place at the museum year-round, including the monthly Third Thursday—a time when many artistic venues downtown have free admission. Lectures, summer camps, and workshops also take place at the museum.
1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-272-4258
Museum of Glass
The Museum of Glass is a museum focusing on—you guessed it—glass. Permanent collections here have an array of glass from the 20th and 21st centuries, including many pieces from the Artist in Residency program. This program brings in artists such as Lino Tagliapietra and members of the well-known Pilchuck Glass School. Residencies can last a matter of days or weeks and at the end of each residency, a piece is chosen to be part of the permanent collection. The best thing about visiting the Museum of Glass is the hot shop. A hot shop is where glass is blown and a glass blow in progress is very cool to watch. The hot shop is open whenever the museum is, except for a lunch break. This museum is also open for free during Third Thursdays.
1801 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402-3217
253-284-4750
Washington State History Museum
This museum is the best history museum in the area and is a great place to visit for both adults and children, especially if you are a fan of trains. This is the home of the Puget Sound Model Railroad, the largest permanent model train system in the state. Other permanent exhibits include the Great Hall of Washington History and the History Lab Learning Center. Temporary exhibits bring in displays from Washington history and beyond. The Washington State History Museum is also open for Third Thursdays.
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, Washington 98402
253-272-3500
Tacoma Children’s Museum
This is the best museum to take young children to, and one of the best ways to spend a summer or weekend day with your kids in Tacoma. The museum has several exhibits designed for children eight and under, but unlike usual museums, these are not static displays—they are places where children can create, play, and interact and learn from other children. This museum does not do Third Thursday, but instead does First Friday each month with free admission from families.
936 Broadway Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-627-6031