Frye Art Museum
A free art museum in Seattle showcasing 19th & 20th-century masters and dynamic contemporary exhibitions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Frye Art Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free art museum in Seattle showcasing 19th & 20th-century masters and dynamic contemporary exhibitions.
"Art should be accessible to everyone and a free museum in Seattle that houses both classic and contemporary art is a win for me."
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-friendly outings .
🚗 Parking Pointers
Street parking can be tricky. Try the Nordstrom Medical Tower garage nearby .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

19th & 20th Century Masters
Main Galleries
Explore a rich collection of classic American and European paintings, offering a glimpse into historical artistic movements.

Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Special Exhibition Halls
Discover thought-provoking modern installations and diverse artistic expressions that change throughout the year.
The Museum Cafe
On-site
Enjoy a culinary break with craft cocktails and delicious food, complementing your artistic journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
Navigating Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-friendly outings.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Street parking can be tricky. Try the Nordstrom Medical Tower garage nearby.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The museum is on a hill, and you'll want to explore comfortably.
☕ Cafe for a Break
Grab a bite or a drink at the on-site cafe to enhance your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Enjoy world-class art without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-friendly outings.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Street parking can be tricky. Try the Nordstrom Medical Tower garage nearby.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The museum is on a hill, and you'll want to explore comfortably.
☕ Cafe for a Break
Grab a bite or a drink at the on-site cafe to enhance your visit.
⏱️ Compact & Manageable
See everything within an hour, ideal for a quick cultural stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Frye Art Museum for its free admission, making art accessible to all. The collection, featuring both classic and contemporary works, is well-arranged and enjoyable for a short visit. While parking can be a challenge, the museum's welcoming atmosphere, clean facilities, and on-site cafe add to its appeal.
"Nicely arranged. Nearly labelled. Good collection of art . Warm reception. Clean rest rooms and a cafe too. I liked this place
Only suggestion, please put pointers and name boards along near by streets and bus stops so that people can find this place easily. Do put a bigger board outside. Entrance is too subtle with a ramp and small name board."
Srividhya V S
"Art should be accessible to everyone and a free museum in Seattle that houses both classic and contemporary art is a win for me.
Paid street parking could be a challenge but I was visiting in between medical appts at Swedish and parked there then walked to the Frye.
Parking garage in between Marion and Madison at the Nordstrom Medical Tower is a good parking option if you need it. It’s an 8 minute walk to the Frye.
Was happy that this space was small (but spacious) enough for me to visit and see everything within an hour so I wasn’t late to my appt.
Wheelchair accessible, clean bathrooms, cute gift shop and welcoming staff."
Anjuli Webster
"This great Art Museum is free. So many great artists… is also close to St.James cathedral. You can visit both at same time"
ellen white
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Frye Art Museum is located in First Hill, Seattle. While street parking is available, it can be challenging. A recommended option is the parking garage at the Nordstrom Medical Tower, an 8-minute walk away.
Public transportation is also an option, though the museum's hillside location might make it a bit tricky to reach.Yes, there is street parking available near the Frye Art Museum, but it can be competitive. Many visitors opt for the parking garage in the Nordstrom Medical Tower, located between Marion and Madison streets, which is about an 8-minute walk to the museum.
Yes, the Frye Art Museum is accessible by public transport. However, it's situated on a hill, which might require a bit of an uphill walk depending on your route.
Visitors suggest that larger signage outside the museum and pointers on nearby streets and bus stops would be helpful for easier navigation.
The entrance can be subtle.Absolutely! The Frye Art Museum is conveniently located close to St. James Cathedral, making it easy to visit both landmarks during the same outing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Frye Art Museum offers free admission to all visitors, making it a fantastic accessible art destination in Seattle.
The Frye Art Museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially around holidays.Since admission is free, you generally do not need to book tickets in advance for the Frye Art Museum. You can usually walk in during their operating hours.
Yes, the Frye Art Museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Salon Soirées with food, cocktails, and performances.
Check their website for upcoming events.Yes, the Frye Art Museum is committed to making art accessible to everyone and offers free admission for all visitors.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Frye Art Museum features a diverse collection, including 19th and 20th-century works by American and European painters, as well as a range of rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Many visitors find that the Frye Art Museum is compact and spacious enough to see everything within about an hour, making it a great option for a shorter visit.
Yes, the Frye Art Museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
Yes, the Frye Art Museum has a cute gift shop where you can find art-related items and souvenirs.
Visitors describe the Frye Art Museum as having a warm reception, clean facilities, and a welcoming staff.
It's considered a nice little art museum with a good mix of classic and modern art.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Frye Art Museum has an on-site cafe that offers food and craft cocktails, providing a pleasant spot to relax during your visit.
While the museum has its own cafe, there are also various dining options in the surrounding First Hill neighborhood. You can find restaurants near the Nordstrom Medical Tower as well.
Yes, the museum's cafe serves food, and special events like the Salon Soirée have featured stellar food from local caterers.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the Frye Art Museum, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or installations. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artwork.
The museum's diverse collection, from classic paintings to contemporary pieces, offers many visually appealing backdrops. The architecture of the museum itself can also be photogenic.
While specific recommendations can vary with rotating exhibits, the 19th and 20th-century European and American paintings offer classic beauty, while contemporary installations often provide unique and striking visual elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Frye Art Museum's Collection: A Blend of Eras
Complementing its permanent collection, the Frye consistently features a dynamic array of rotating exhibitions. These contemporary shows introduce visitors to cutting-edge art, diverse mediums, and current artistic dialogues. This blend ensures that each visit can offer something new and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of artistic tastes and interests. The museum's commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary art makes it a vibrant cultural hub.
Making the Most of Your Free Visit
Beyond the art itself, the museum offers practical amenities like clean restrooms and a welcoming atmosphere. The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot to refuel, perhaps with a craft cocktail, enhancing the overall experience. For those planning their visit, understanding the parking situation is key, with nearby garages offering a reliable alternative to potentially challenging street parking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit