Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
7.8Locals Score / 10#4 of 10 Attractions in Seattle
Known forfine artworld-classIndigenous artdowntown
Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is the Pacific Northwest's premier art institution, housing a collection of nearly 25,000 works across global galleries in downtown Seattle. Open Wed–Sun, it anchors the city's cultural life with rotating exhibitions, free First Thursdays, and the adjacent free Olympic Sculpture Park.
Key facts
| Hours | Wed–Sun 10:00–17:00 Thu–Thu 10:00–20:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Link Light Rail University Street Station (walkable); King County Metro buses on 3rd Ave at University or Seneca St |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours for a focused visit; allow more for special exhibitions |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings for smaller crowds; First Thursday (free admission, open until 8 pm) for a lively evening visit |
| Last verified | July 14, 2026 |
Locals Score
7.8/10- Value8.0
- Iconic7.5
- Excellence8.5
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- When can I visit SAM for free?
- Admission is free for everyone on the first Thursday of every month. Seniors (65+) pay just $5 on the first Friday of each month. The Olympic Sculpture Park is always free.
- Is the Hammering Man entrance open?
- No — the First and University entrance (at Hammering Man) is temporarily closed until December 10, 2026. Use the First and Union entrance instead. The south wing and café are also closed through that date.
- Can I get a library pass to visit SAM for free?
- Yes. Both Seattle Public Library and King County Library System (KCLS) offer museum passes for SAM. As of April 2026, passes can be used to get entry tickets online or by phone before your visit.
- What are SAM's current hours?
- SAM is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am–5 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- How much does admission to SAM cost?
- Regular adult admission is $32.99. Children 14 and under are free. Discounts are available for seniors, students, military, and teens (15–19).
- Is parking available near SAM?
- SAM partners with two nearby garages: the 1301 Garage (on Union St between 1st and 2nd Ave, with elevator access to SAM's second floor) and the 3rd & Stewart Garage. Discounted parking vouchers are available at the Ticketing Desk.
- What are SAM's three locations?
- SAM operates the main downtown museum at 1300 First Ave, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the central waterfront. The sculpture park is always free; the other two locations require paid admission (with free days).
- How do I get to SAM by public transit?
- Take Link Light Rail to University Street Station, which is within walking distance. King County Metro buses also stop along 3rd Avenue at University or Seneca Streets. SAM partners with King County Metro so ticket holders may receive transit credits.
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Where to stay near Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
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