Whatcom Museum Bellingham
A three-building campus exploring Northwest art, culture, and history, with a focus on local heritage and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission for all!
Whatcom Museum Bellingham
Best Time
Free admission for all!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A three-building campus exploring Northwest art, culture, and history, with a focus on local heritage and interactive exhibits.
"Highly recommended for its educational value and reasonable admission prices, offering a deep dive into local heritage."
🎟️ Free First Fridays
Enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month!
🚢 Book History Cruises Early
These popular summer cruises sell out fast; book online in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family Interactive Gallery (FIG)
Lightcatcher Building
Hands-on exhibits, a dedicated under-3 play area, and an art room make this a hit for kids.
Marine Life Center
Syre Education Center
Get up close with local marine species in this free, engaging exhibit.
Historical Photo Archives
Old City Hall
Explore over 150,000 photographs documenting Bellingham's past, including rare glass plate negatives.
Whatcom Creek Salmon Run
Maritime Heritage Park
Witness the incredible annual journey of salmon making their way up the creek.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Museum Visit
Best Time for Salmon Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Free First Fridays
Enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month!
🚢 Book History Cruises Early
These popular summer cruises sell out fast; book online in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore All Three Buildings
Your ticket often covers Old City Hall, Syre Education Center, and Lightcatcher. 
☀️ Dress for the Heat
History cruises can get hot; bring water and dress for sun exposure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Free First Fridays
Enjoy free admission on the first Friday of each month!
🚢 Book History Cruises Early
These popular summer cruises sell out fast; book online in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore All Three Buildings
Your ticket often covers Old City Hall, Syre Education Center, and Lightcatcher.
☀️ Dress for the Heat
History cruises can get hot; bring water and dress for sun exposure.
🎨 Family Fun at FIG
The Family Interactive Gallery is a highlight for kids with hands-on activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Whatcom Museum for its beautiful presentation, diverse exhibits, and friendly staff. The historical photo archives and the Family Interactive Gallery are frequently highlighted as exceptional. While some find the history cruises can be warm, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and reasonable admission prices.
"Museum is beautiful! The staff was so lovely on free first Fridays and I really enjoyed the exhibits. Lovely dioramas and as a Cherokee person, I really enjoyed getting to know the Lummi."
Raven Stone
"Always a great place to learn new things from the history of Bellingham. Birds from the region ( permanent collection) from Hummingbirds to Eagles,Owls, Marine species and more all perfectly preserved by taxidermist to document the species for their studies.Their photo archive containing more than 150,000 photographs of Bellingham,Fairhaven, Sehome and New Whatcom and the county ( Whatcom County) full of fascinating glass plates negative's collection of Darius Kinsey and Huntoon ( photographers of the late 1800's all the way to collection of photo journalist of the oldest newspaper The Bellingham Herald's Jack Carver collection of images and the previous photographers mentioned above just amazing, the more you dig in history the more you want to continue. Art exhibits rotating and lectures of Outstanding people like Jane Goodall and local natives history of the Pacific Northwest tribes art , culture and some even documented with photographs from the Darius Kinsey, Huntoon collection and other photographers alike. Highly recommended for 12.00 a ticket entrance near to nothing for a museum of that kind. The Children's Museum is only a block away and the Wall of Light and Eco building is an icon of modern and green roofs as an environment education. Also exhibits the beautiful art , masks, totems canoes and other pieces of local native tribes such as Nooksack and Lummi nations....never ending history for you in a set of three buildings."
Alejandro Peregrina
"Specifically I am providing a review of the Whatcom Museum History Cruise. This is a two hour cruise which departs from Bellingham Cruise Terminal. The museum staff that were on hand were incredibly helpful and welcoming. Special kudos to the representative who provided the history briefing admitting that it was only the second time she had done the presentation. The presentation was informative and entertaining. Long-term residents admitted they learned something new. The cruise was sold out and I was told this is common so purchase tickets online in advance. A bar is available onboard and you are allowed to bring your own food onboard. The only downside for me was the heat. We had to wait in line outside for half an hour before boarding and the first half of the cruise was spent in the full sun with little or no ventilation onboard. I highly recommend this history cruise but dress accordingly and keep fingers crossed for a cloudy day."
S King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whatcom Museum is located in downtown Bellingham, WA. It's a multi-building campus. Parking is available nearby, and it's accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive as part of a day trip from Seattle.
Yes, there are several parking options in the downtown Bellingham area near the museum buildings. Street parking and parking garages are available.
The museum is centrally located downtown, making it walkable to many shops, restaurants, and other attractions like Maritime Heritage Park.
Bellingham has a public bus system that serves the downtown area, making it possible to reach the museum via public transit.
Prioritize the building or exhibits that interest you most. The Family Interactive Gallery is popular for families,
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $12, but check their website for current pricing and any special offers. Tickets often grant access to all three museum buildings.
Yes! The museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month. They may also have discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel.
Typically, a single ticket provides access to all three main museum buildings: Old City Hall, the Syre Education Center, and the Lightcatcher building.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for popular events like the summer history cruises, which often sell out.
Operating hours can vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Whatcom Museum website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features diverse exhibits on Northwest art, culture, and history, including the Family Interactive Gallery, historical photo archives, and displays on local Native American tribes.
Absolutely! The Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) is specifically designed for children with hands-on exhibits and an art room.
The museum showcases a range of art, including rotating exhibits, pieces from local artists,
Yes, the museum hosts various events, lectures, and special tours, such as the popular summer history cruises on Bellingham Bay.
Consider starting at the Lightcatcher building for the Family Interactive Gallery, then moving to the Syre Education Center for the Marine Life Center, and finishing at Old City Hall for historical exhibits and archives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there are many dining options available in the surrounding downtown Bellingham area.
While not explicitly stated for museum galleries, for events like the history cruises, bringing your own food is often permitted.
Downtown Bellingham offers a variety of eateries, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
The Lightcatcher building sometimes has a cafe or coffee service, but it's best to check their current amenities.
It's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or outside the museum buildings to maintain the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography may be restricted to protect artwork. Always check for posted signs.
The Lightcatcher building's architecture, the historical dioramas, and the exhibits featuring local flora and fauna are often popular photo subjects.+1
Professional shoots or commercial videography usually require prior permission and may incur fees. Contact the museum directly for their policy.
Yes, the salmon run is a natural event and photography is encouraged. Be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
A versatile camera with a good lens for various lighting conditions is ideal. A smartphone camera is also great for capturing quick moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Marine Life Center in the Syre Education Center is also a hit, offering a free and fascinating look at local aquatic creatures.Beyond the museum walls, a visit to Maritime Heritage Park to see the salmon run (seasonal) can be an exciting natural adventure. The museum's reasonable ticket prices often cover all three buildings, making it a great value for a full day of exploration. Remember to check for free admission days to make your family outing even more budget-friendly.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
You can spend hours poring over these visual records of Bellingham and Whatcom County's development.Don't miss the exhibits on the art, culture, and history of the Pacific Northwest tribes, which offer deep insights into the region's indigenous heritage. The museum also frequently hosts lectures and special exhibits that delve into specific historical periods or themes. Consider attending a History Cruise on Bellingham Bay for a unique, on-the-water perspective of the area's past.
🎨 Art Lovers
Keep an eye out for special exhibitions featuring local artists, such as those highlighted during the Bellingham Art Walk.
The museum also showcases historical art and artifacts that reflect the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The sheer volume of art and historical pieces means there's always something new to discover, whether it's a painting, sculpture, or a meticulously curated historical display.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Three Buildings
+1 Adjacent to it is the Syre Education Center, which often features rotating exhibits and the Marine Life Center, offering a free glimpse into local aquatic ecosystems.Across the street, the historic Old City Hall building serves as the museum's primary history hub. This grand structure holds extensive archives, including over 150,000 photographs documenting Bellingham and Whatcom County's past, featuring the invaluable collections of photographers like Darius Kinsey and Huntoon.
It also showcases exhibits on the art, culture, and history of the Pacific Northwest tribes, such as the Lummi and Nooksack nations, often incorporating artifacts and historical imagery.Together, these three buildings provide a comprehensive and engaging experience, allowing visitors to delve into the art, natural history, and rich heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Planning your visit to encompass all three is key to appreciating the full scope of the Whatcom Museum's offerings.
The Salmon Run: A Natural Spectacle
Witnessing this event provides a fascinating educational opportunity, showcasing the life cycle of these vital fish. The park itself is a pleasant area for a stroll, offering a chance to connect with nature right in the heart of the city. It’s a testament to the conservation efforts that allow such natural spectacles to continue within an urban environment.
For those interested in wildlife and natural history, timing a visit to coincide with the salmon run is highly recommended. It’s a free and accessible experience that offers a profound connection to the natural world of the Pacific Northwest.
History Cruises: Bellingham Bay Adventures
Museum staff lead these cruises, sharing historical insights and anecdotes that even long-term residents find enlightening. While the cruises are sold out frequently, indicating their popularity, they offer a chance to learn about local maritime history, the development of the area, and the natural environment from a unique vantage point. Attendees are often allowed to bring their own food and there's a bar onboard.
It's important to note that these cruises can get quite warm, especially during the initial boarding and if the sun is strong. Dressing appropriately and being prepared for potential heat is advised. Despite this, the experience is highly recommended for anyone interested in local history and a different perspective of Bellingham.
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