The best arts & culture spots in Olympia

“Chihuly Garden and Glass delivers art-fireworks with a 100-foot Glasshouse sculpture, a lush garden designed to amplify color, and galleries spanning over 40 years.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 5, 2026

“The 5th Avenue Theatre brings big-hearted musicals to a restored 1926 vaudeville gem, complete with a jaw-dropping Chinese-inspired interior. If your week needs a little spectacle and a lot of live music, settle in and let the music do the heavy lifting.”

From the Shoreline newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Bigelow House Museum lets you step inside a real family home furnished almost entirely with original Bigelow pieces, where each room tells a different chapter from the 1860s through the 21st century. This week, go for the stories, stay for the docents' Olympia tips and the neighboring Bigelow Springs Park.”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Spend an hour exploring basketry, canoes, and the Hall of the Seven Inlets at Squaxin Island Museum, Library and Research Center. Learn living history through Sacred Belongings and stories, then browse the Gift Gallery for Northwest Coast jewelry, prints, and books that keep the teachings close to home.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, the museum includes items from icons ranging from Bo Diddley to Bob Dylan.”

“Hands on activities teaching kids about the water cycle & water's vital impact on life on earth.”

“Large educational museum with aircraft & space vehicles on display, plus historical exhibits.”

“Gallery for local art and gifts, plus handmade wares.”

“University of Washington museum explores Northwest history from dinosaurs to Native American life.”

“Old-school aircraft & historical aviation information in a hangar at Olympia Regional Airport.”

“Museum full of optical illusions that visitors can experience and photograph themselves.”

“19th- & 20th-century works by American & European painters plus a range of rotating exhibitions.”

“Neighborhood museum covering Scandinavian immigration, culture, art & history.”

“Rotating science exhibits plus laser light shows, a tropical butterfly house & IMAX movie theaters.”