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    Seattle Asian Art Museum

    4.2 (140 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Seattle Asian Art Museum Photos

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    Vince P.

    The Seattle Asian Art Museum is a smaller museum that has modern and traditional Asian diasporic art. This spot has a free parking lot directly across from the museum. Inside, the museum is one floor and has a pay what you want setup. I would definitely recommend stopping by to check this museum out for any art and culture lovers!

    Water-Moon Guanyin.
    Nami N.

    On the first Thursday of every month, you can enter the Seattle Asian Art Museum for free. The location is within the volunteer park, and there is also a free parking lot. On free days, there are many families and groups of young children, so it can be crowded. When you enter the museum, you will receive a free ticket at the reception. If you go down the stairs on your left, there is a restroom. Compared to the Seattle Art Museum, it is much smaller, but it is worth seeing. There is Ai Weiwei's water lilies, so don't miss it. Also, Boundless: stories of Asian Art. After viewing the museum, I recommend taking a walk in the volunteer park.

    Sheryl T.

    I loved that this museum showcased Asian culture and history and that it was by donation. It made it super accessible in a climate where all the museums in Seattle are built for profit, $30+ for admission for one. It is a small museum, we did it in about 30 minutes but the surrounding grounds are also beautiful. Thank you for keeping this space accessible, we saw 3 different school field trips happening.

    Kumar V.

    It's a pretty cool museum - most of the exhibit pertains to eastern culture. It can be a really amazing experience to visit the museum. In my opinion what truly stood out was sculpture and exhibits around Buddhism.

    Royal P.

    The Seattle Asian Art Museum is pretty small, and it's a little strange to describe a museum in this way, but it felt very dated, as in much of the collection felt like what most people think Asian art is and not what it has evolved to be. There's a lot of the standard Chinese artifacts, Buddhist and Hindu iconography, Japanese art, and a sprinkling of Korean artifacts. However, in the context of AANHPI, I thought that almost all of the groups in the acronym were underrepresented and there's barely any SEA art mention in the museum. The gift shop is also small and gimmicky. The most fascinating exhibit was by Anida Yoeu Ali (a Cambodian American artist), which was a traveling exhibit. Most of the other collections were not memorable. While admission isn't too expensive, the Art Deco exterior is great, and I'm glad this space exists, Wing Luke does a better job of telling stories from the AANHPI experience.

    Meg T.

    Overall, while I enjoyed the Seattle Asian Art Museum, I do have a few critiques for the space. First what I enjoyed. I loved the stretch of difference cultures in the items shown. I don't think I've ever seen so many pieces of french specific art/advertising and when juxtaposed with the same type of advertising from a different culture it was eye opening how the same type of work was treated from two different cultures. I loved the piece made up of dog tags, and several of the porcelain and glass pieces. I also loved the tunic that had gorgeous beading. But the lighting was definitely off in several sections, and the paint that was used on some of the walls worked against the pieces, often coming off as a different color through my lens. I'm not sure if the lighting was done deliberately due to the nature of the pieces or their fragility, but I also found several of the pieces to be hung ever so slightly crooked, like a level wasn't used. All minor things that show up when you're reviewing pictures of the collection. My final critique would be that they have such a lovely sunroom complete with water feature and it was barely used. It had maybe four inexpensive metal chairs on one end and I believe it was meant to be relaxing, but due to the design felt empty, even though it was a gorgeous room. All in all, for the price (especially if you purchase advance tickets) this museum is well worth it. if you're a student with ID it's practically a no brainer to visit. I would definitely make the trip for both the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Conservatory if you're in the area.

    Interior
    Diana C.

    Though small, this museum is worth visiting at least once. I appreciated the layout and there was more variety of works than I expected. I really liked the fountain in the atrium most - really interesting. It's technically part of the SAM system which is interesting. I liked it much better than the SAM and the staff were a lot kinder and more helpful here. They have both new and old works, but most is older historical work and medium to smaller pieces. Some important notes: They have free lockers and coat check and they will ask you to carry your bag or larger coats in front or store it regardless of size. Their bathroom is all gender. They also have some rotating galleries, and some were closed when we visited so plan ahead if you want to see something specific. Photos are ok so long as you are not using a professional set up but try to avoid flash. There's a gift shop at the end of your like an interesting gift.

    Main interior atrium space
    Maegan W.

    This was a great museum trip for a rainy afternoon. The space is beautiful, a nice combination of the new renovation with the original architecture. I thought there were many interesting pieces from a variety of time periods! It's not too large, which I honestly appreciated. There is plenty of close by parking and if you would like you can explore the surrounding park and nearby conservatory!

    Rosi A.

    It's funny how in almost a decade of living in Seattle, I've completely missed this museum. However, this time there was a very solid reason to prioritize - the "Renegade Edo and Paris" exhibition that is on display till December 2023. The museum space is gorgeous and located in the Volunteer Park which is worth exploring on its own. While the main exhibit deserves some time (it's relatively small), the Edo & Toulouse-Lautrec is small but mighty and a must-see if you ask me. Some of the prints were mind-blowing: the level of detail, the subtlety, the composition - sublime. And it was very interesting to read up on the parallels between the art in 19th-century Paris and Tokyo.

    Ngoc-Diep P.

    Art space - awesome art space Floor to ceiling glass space to bring the green from outside in Love that they've carefully placed signs for family restroom, gender neutral, and changing station for the bathrooms Location is perfect - view of space needle and it's located right at volunteer park along with the botanical observatory garden near by.

    Murakami Art
    Jocelyn A.

    We came here on a Friday around the afternoon and it was not crowded at all, which was great. They were offering free tickets which made the experience a great bonus. They have so many art instillations to look at and see all the historical pieces. I loved that they had modern pieces installed as well. The Murakami was my favorite!!! They have free parking at this park, which is great and you can walk to the art museum. Definitely recommend if you are in the area and love to visit museums!

    Donn D.

    Set in a wonderful public park, this is just a great museum. The sculptures are so intricate and how about those art deco front doors. Just walking in you almost feel like you're entering a church. I think this is one of those places a lot of residents aren't even aware exist, sort of like living in Arizona your whole life without bothering to get up to the Grand Canyon. If you ever get the chance take a few hours and check it out. Get some culture!

    Woooo!
    Leland S.

    Wasn't in my to-do list as I've checked out the Luke Wing Museum but this seemed pretty cool. Here was our experience. Parking: Plaza and in-park street parking in Volunteer Park. Art: There are multiple rooms with eclectic styles. Some are historical artifacts and some are modern day. The theme during the time emphasized on South Asian artwork. It's a spacious place and pretty peaceful. Some roots were dark, others were lit, and some had good natural lighting. There's a great view of sitting and seeing the park. Downstairs is where the lockers, restroom, and the library is at. Overall: 4.5 stars. Lovely! I dig it. From the customer service, art, and the environment. It's a good mix of observation and engagement. Tips: * Check their website for events * Free lockers!

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    Ask the Community - Seattle Asian Art Museum

    Any nearby restaurant recommendations?

    Best is to drive or walk to Cap Hill for a meal. We ate at Hana Sushi. Had wanted to try Rondo, but it had long wait.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Seattle Asian Art Museum

    I always pass by the Seattle Asian Art Museum walking through Volunteer Park but never ventured inside.

    Mentioned in 36 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Mourning Market - Custom made masks made by one vendor.

    Custom made masks made by one vendor.

    Mourning Market - One of the many vendors at Mourning Market!

    One of the many vendors at Mourning Market!

    Mourning Market - Fascinating merchandise at the Mourning Market!

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    Fascinating merchandise at the Mourning Market!

    Seattle Asian Art Museum - artmuseums - Updated May 2026

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