About Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum, also popularly known simply as “SAM,” is an art museum located in Seattle, Washington. The museum comprises three key facilities – the main location in the city’s downtown area, the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park, and the open-air Olympic Sculpture Park located on the Seattle waterfront. The museum first opened its doors in 1993 in its original location at Volunteer Park; the Art Deco-style building was designed by Carl Gould. In 1991, however, the museum was moved to a new building located in downtown Seattle, which is its current home to date. In 1994, the original location in Volunteer Park was converted into the Asian Art Museum, which is still part of the SAM complex. In 2007, a third location was revealed – the Olympic Sculpture Park by the waterfront.
Since its opening in 1933, SAM has continuously expanded. Its collection has grown from just under 2,000 pieces up to over 25,000 at present. The museum’s collection is extensive and features art from all parts of the world – from American and Native American art to African, Asian, and Mediterranean art. Seattle Art Museum is one of the top cultural institutions in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the city’s most notable attractions.
Fun fact: Only 4% of the Seattle Art Museum’s funding comes from the government. The remainder of its operating costs come from its membership base as well as ticket sales.
Things to Do in Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is located in the city’s downtown area, also home to numerous other landmarks, attractions, and points of interest. After a visit to SAM, head over to the following spots nearby:
- Ride the incredible Seattle Great Wheel and see the city from above
- Join one of the Washington State Ferries harbor cruises and get out on the Puget Sound
- Grab a cup of joe at the amazing Starbucks Reserve and Roastery
- Catch a show at Paramount Theater, one of the most historic buildings in the city
- Get your shopping fix at the four-story Westlake Center
- Go full nerd and explore the fantastic collection at the Seattle Central Library
- See a variety of marine creatures at the Seattle Aquarium
- Learn more about aviation and space at the Museum of Flight
- Head over to SAM’s other location – the Olympic Sculpture Park
- Catch a baseball game at the T-Mobile Park
- Visit Kerry Park and get the best view of Seattle from the Queen Anne spot
- See the city’s original skyscraper at Smith Tower and grab a few cocktails at the building’s in-house cocktail bar - Temperance Bar
- Explore the diverse neighborhood of the Chinatown-International District
Transit Options in Seattle Art Museum
- Sound Transit Link light rail
- King County Metro bus
- Rideshare apps
Luggage Storage near Seattle Art Museum
In the city to do some touring? Or stopping over for a business trip? Make your trip to Seattle as comfortable as possible. This means not having to drag or carry your luggage around while you explore the city. To solve your luggage woes, Bounce is here to help! With an array of local partners scattered all over Seattle, Bounce makes it easy to store your luggage anytime and anywhere. Book through the website or the app, with a simple 2 minute booking process.
Luggage Storage Options near Seattle Art Museum
Bounce knows how crucial it is to travel light. We provide short-term storage services so that you can enjoy your trip worry- and luggage-free! Find a shop or restaurant that meets your preferences, then walk in and store your stuff. We've stored hundreds of thousands of bags, and make the process simple and easy.
Luggage Storage near Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is Seattle’s hub of cultural activity and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Originally built to be used for the 1962 World’s Fair, the complex has since been transformed into a recreational center filled with attractions, restaurants, and other facilities. Some of the must-see spots within the Seattle Center include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Explore the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center and the iconic Space Needle, too. The center is also home to the Monorail, a convenient transportation option for those who want to travel to and from the downtown area easily. With so much to see and do within the Seattle Center, it’s best to leave your things with Bounce before your visit to maximize your time here.
Luggage Storage near Pike Place Market
A visit to the city of Seattle will not be complete without checking out its most prominent attraction – the beloved Pike Place Market. The two-story public market, which has been around for over a century, is home to a dizzying amount of vendors and stalls. Locals flock to the market to do their daily grocery run. At the same time, tourists love to observe how the locals live and check out the different points of interest. At Pike Place, you will find everything from fresh seafood, gourmet street food stalls, handicrafts flowers, artisan delicacies, and more. Apart from the market itself, there are a handful of nearby attractions that you can visit while at Pike Place, including the Starbucks Reserve and the eclectic Seattle Gum Wall. Note that it could get really crowded here, so it’s best to leave your luggage with Bounce beforehand.
Luggage Storage near Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square is the oldest neighborhood in Seattle and one that you should absolutely visit when in the city. As the spot where the early settlers established their homes, you can expect to see some historic architecture within the district. At present, Pioneer Square is filled with trendy cafés, art galleries, and shops. Additionally, some tourist attractions can be found within the neighborhood, such as the Klondike Gold Rush Museum, Waterfall Garden Park, and the Smith Tower. Explore the historic district of Pioneer Square without worrying about your luggage by storing your things at a Bounce location within the area.