The best arts & culture spots in Thurston County

Gift shop and art gallery for local artists and crafters, featuring paintings, sculptures and jewelry.

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 Lacey newsletter, October 3, 2026

WET Science Center turns everyday H2O into wow moments with free, hands-on exhibits about the water cycle, wastewater treatment and clean water careers. Build a reclaimed-water pipeline, try the giant water-use calculator and learn how long your flush takes to reach LOTT.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 17, 2026

Olympia AHA Museum and Visitor Center is a free hub where arts, cultures, and local history actually mingle. Drop by for approachable exhibits and events, then ask the visitor team for maps and insider tips on Thurston County’s artsy detours, outdoor rambles, and those only-if-you-know spots locals quietly hoard.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 22, 2026

Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts (TCMoFA) is an experimental public art project based in Olympia, hosting exhibitions and events that keep the local scene lively. Peek at what's upcoming, throw in a submission if you're feeling it, or just let their projects shake up your routine in the best way.

From the Lacey newsletter, September 24, 2026

Childhood's End Gallery LLC has championed Pacific Northwest fine art and craft since 1971, representing over a hundred American artists working in oil, glass, ceramics, wood, and metal. Swing by for the current exhibit, Form a Line, running through September 20, 2026, and snag something unique for home or gifting.

From the Shelton newsletter, October 10, 2026

Olympia's own Olympic Flight Museum keeps aviation history alive with vintage aircraft that still fly, a collection of artifacts, and all the sights, sounds, and smells of real deal flight. Sneak in a local adventure this week, then keep an eye out for their Olympic Air Show.

From the Olympia newsletter, August 20, 2026