Seattle Art Museum
7.7Friend Score / 10#6 of 12 Museums in Seattle
Known forart museumseattle art museumsamdowntown seattle
Downtown Seattle's flagship art museum (SAM), with a wide-ranging collection and strong rotating exhibitions. Central and easy to reach. Heads up: it's currently only open Friday through Sunday, so plan around that. First Thursdays are free, which makes it a great value if the timing lines up.
Key facts
| Hours | Fri–Sun 10:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Link light rail to University Street/Symphony; downtown buses |
| Time needed | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Free First Thursday, or Thursday Happy Hour for 25% off |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.7/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is SAM worth visiting?
- Yes, if you like art and the timing works with its Friday-Sunday schedule. The collection is broad and the special exhibitions are often excellent; free days make it an easy yes.
- How long should I plan for a visit?
- Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours covers the museum comfortably. Add time if there's a major special exhibition you want to see in full.
- What days is SAM open?
- Currently it's open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Monday through Thursday. That limited schedule catches a lot of visitors off guard, so plan around it.
- How do I get to the Seattle Art Museum?
- It's in the heart of downtown on First Avenue, an easy walk from Pike Place Market. Link light rail to University Street/Symphony station or any number of downtown buses puts you within a couple blocks.
- Are special exhibitions extra?
- Sometimes major special exhibitions carry a higher ticket price than general admission. Check what's on and the exact pricing on SAM's site before you go, especially if a blockbuster show is up.
- When can I visit SAM for free?
- Admission is free to all on the first Thursday of each month and on the third Saturday. Seniors get $5 admission on First Fridays, and there's a 25% Thursday happy-hour discount too.
- Is the Olympic Sculpture Park part of SAM?
- Yes, SAM operates the Olympic Sculpture Park on the downtown waterfront, and it's free and open daily. It's a great separate stop for outdoor art with Puget Sound views.
- How much is Seattle Art Museum admission?
- General adult admission is around $33, and kids 14 and under are free. There are also free days and discounts, including Free First Thursdays and a Thursday happy hour with 25% off.
Nearby in Ask Seattle
- Zig Zag CafeBar0.22 km · 3 min walk
- Pike Place MarketMarket0.35 km · 4 min walk
- Seattle Great WheelAttraction0.36 km · 5 min walk
- Seattle AquariumAttraction0.37 km · 5 min walk
- Pioneer SquareNeighborhood0.72 km · 9 min walk
Where to stay near Seattle Art Museum
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