Tacoma, WA, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant arts and culture scene. One of the best ways to explore and learn about the city’s history and culture is through its many museums. Here are five must-see museums in Tacoma that offer something for everyone. Whether you just moved into a South End apartment or bought a home in Hilltop, the abundance of museums is one of many reasons you’ll love Tacoma.
Tacoma Art Museum:
The Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) is a museum in Tacoma that is dedicated to showcasing the work of regional, national, and international artists. The museum’s collection includes over 6,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs, with a focus on American art from the Northwest. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by artists such as Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, and Kenneth Callahan, as well as contemporary artists such as Patti Warashina, Fay Jones, and Michael Spafford.
TAM also has a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum’s education and community programs include tours, lectures, workshops, and special events. The museum’s building, designed by the architect Arthur Erickson, is considered a work of art in itself and is a popular destination for architectural enthusiasts. The Tacoma Art Museum is a cultural gem of Tacoma and a popular destination for art lovers and families.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum
The LeMay Museum, also known as America’s Car Museum, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and cultural impact of the automobile. The museum’s collection includes over 350 vehicles, ranging from vintage cars and motorcycles to race cars and trucks. The collection spans more than a century of automotive history, and some of the featured cars are considered rare and valuable. Many of the vehicles in the collection are in working condition and are used in the museum’s special events.
The LeMay Museum also features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and events such as car shows and races. The museum’s building is over 165,000 square feet and features a large atrium, several exhibit halls, a theater, and a library. The LeMay Museum is considered one of the country’s premier automobile museums and a popular destination for car enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. The museum’s collection is a testament to the American love for cars and offers a unique and enjoyable way to explore the history and evolution of the automobile.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma:
The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is dedicated to providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences for children and families. The museum features various exhibits designed to spark children’s curiosity and creativity and encourage them to explore the world around them. Exhibits include hands-on art, science, and technology activities, as well as interactive displays that focus on history, culture, and the environment. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and classes for children of all ages, as well as special events and activities throughout the year.
One of the museum’s most popular features is the “Build It!” exhibit, which allows children to use real tools to build and create their own projects. Other exhibits include “Water Ways,” an exhibit that allows children to explore the science of water and its importance, and “Our Town,” an exhibit that teaches children about their community and how it functions. The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a popular destination for families with young children, and it is dedicated to providing an engaging and fun learning experience for all visitors.
Museum of Glass:
The Museum of Glass is a museum dedicated to the art and history of glass. The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 objects from ancient to contemporary glass art and features works by renowned glass artists from around the world. The museum’s exhibitions focus on the glass medium, its history, and its impact on art and culture. Visitors can also watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the museum’s Hot Shop, where artists create one-of-a-kind pieces. These live demonstrations are popular among visitors and allow them to see the glassblowing process up close.
The Museum of Glass also has an extensive education program, with classes and workshops for both children and adults, as well as a permanent collection of contemporary glass art. The museum’s building is also a work of art designed by the architect Arthur Erickson. The building’s iconic cone-shaped structure, which houses the Hot Shop, is visible from miles away and is a popular Tacoma landmark. The Museum of Glass is a popular destination for art lovers, families, and anyone interested in the history and art of glass. If you live in Tacoma, you absolutely must visit this local institution.
Washington State History Museum:
The Washington State History Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the state of Washington. The museum’s collection includes over 80,000 artifacts and archives, including objects, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the people, places, and events that have shaped the state’s history. The museum’s permanent exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the state’s Native American heritage, the region’s economic history, and the impact of transportation and technology on the state’s development.
The Washington State History Museum also features a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, as well as educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. The museum’s building is a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to provide visitors an engaging and interactive experience. The Washington State History Museum is a popular destination for history buffs, families, and anyone interested in learning more about the state of Washington and its rich past.
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