The best arts & culture spots in Seattle

“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

“For an easy Eastside culture fix, Meydenbauer Center has an intimate theatre with a calendar full of performances worth leaving the couch for. They’ve been part of Bellevue since 1993, which shows in the community vibe... check the schedule and catch something inspiring this week.”

From the Eastside newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Family-friendly venue featuring immersive photo ops, virtual reality experiences and staff.”

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

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

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

“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.”