Visual Arts

Art is everywhere!

Nearly 200 galleries and five excellent art museums in the Seattle area allow you access to exhibits of every kind. However, you need not enter a gallery to experience great art. Seattle was one of the first cities in the nation to enact a program to integrate art in public projects and you’ll find art in unexpected places throughout the city. Find your way with these excellent maps & apps.

Seattle is widely known as a center for glass art, and our legendary natural beauty is enhanced by spectacular public displays. World-famous glass artist Dale Chihuly’s work is on full glorious view at Chihuly Garden and Glass, but also graces public areas from the stunning chandeliers at Benaroya Hall to the Seaforms at the Seattle Aquarium.  Many other top artists in the region are setting new standards for this historic and popular art form, and you can experience it up close at the annual Refract glass art festival.

When it comes to architecture, Seattle is again showing an innovative edge. The eye-popping Central Library, the psychedelic Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the contemplative St. Ignatius Chapel are just a few of the better known examples.

From historic Pioneer Square to the funky Fremont district, art is all around.