Seattle Asian Art Museum

Nestled in the lush greenery of Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, the Seattle Asian Art Museum is a serene cultural escape within the city. The museum, housed in a striking 1933 Art Deco building, showcases a diverse collection spanning over 4,000 years of Asian art. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and South Asian works, including exquisite jade carvings, ancient bronzes, and delicate scroll paintings. The museum’s intimate scale allows for a contemplative experience, and its rotating exhibitions highlight contemporary Asian artists alongside historical pieces. The building itself, with its stepped roofline and decorative motifs, is a landmark worth admiring. After your visit, stroll through Volunteer Park’s gardens or climb the nearby water tower for panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound.

Don't miss

• The renowned jade collection, one of the finest in the United States
• Chinese ceramics from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasty
• Japanese woodblock prints, including works by Hokusai and Hiroshige
• The serene outdoor sculpture garden with views of the park
• Rotating contemporary exhibitions that blend tradition with modernity

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Seattle Asian Art Museum

Cheapest way inMuseum of Fine Arts, Houston All Access Admission Ticket4.6★ · 53 travelers1–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →Most bookedBeneath The Streets Underground History Tour4.7★ · 8,742 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$32 per personSee dates →Top ratedWelcome to Seattle Walking Tour5★ · 208 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Allow extra time to explore Volunteer Park – the conservatory and water tower are nearby.
• Photography is allowed in most galleries, but no flash or tripods.
• Free audio guides are available at the front desk.
• Street parking is free but fills quickly; consider public transit.

A bit of history

Founded in 1933 as the Seattle Art Museum’s original home, the building was designed by architect Carl F. Gould. It became the Seattle Asian Art Museum in 1994 after the main museum moved downtown. A major renovation completed in 2019 updated the facilities while preserving its historic character.