The wind was blowing very hard as I ducked into the SAM for a brief relief. 3 hours later I emerged warm from the inside out. From the aboriginal art was a rhythmic lullaby to begin. The patterns were so precise and yet humanely imperfect. A good lesson for me! As I moved from tree bark to paper the rhythm, energy and pattern continued its expression. Mark Toby’s works transform pattern and energy into life, culture, and heart. A new appreciation for Rothko peaked my interest in his expression of emotion. I learned in the next room, about the feeling of vertical versus horizontal expression, so different! From there I had an experience of being Jewish in the large room there was a humbling piece, a room dark brick cold: for me a rendering of being alone with G-d and ones foes. The same German artist in grad scale rendered the feeling for me of loss: all the homesteads wrecked by death. From there onto a grand sized ink blot. How might my mental state be interpreted? From here up to Egypt Rome and Greece and the perfection on the the Renaissance. The Adoration of the Magi a welcome relief. How did those masters learn to paint? As I walked from the Italian room to the look upon a painting from a bedroom trunk, again I saw pattern energy and movement; near perfection but still I was able to see the human hand. Excellent day only made warmer by the bowl of tomato soup I enjoyed before I made my way up to the Market by 5:00.

I am tired of SAM trying to impress with politically correct exhibits. How about an exhibit that does not shout out the interests of very select groups? By trying to impress, SAM only works to silence other voices which popular media is only too happy to silence. Does art have to be a weapon for a narrow political vision seeking to re-shape the cultural narrative according to its own dictates? Shame on this gallery.

Sam I used to work at Sam and it was really really nice and fun but what they've done with the new Sam is mated absolutely amazing we are true contenders now with the rest of the world Harmony Sam everything in it is absolutely extraordinary you've got to go visit that's wonderful I'm very pleased to know that we've done such a great job and I've had something to do with that girl Sam

Pretty decent for the city, for a comprehensive art museum, is not like the de young or LACMA. also I continue to find it's permanent exhibition of Western art overly focused on white settler art with positionally (putting in the back and side of the gallery) compliment of native art. Also a extensive yet yawn-worthy selection of glass art on permanent display.

This shop is located on the ground ĺevel of the SAM, and I consistently have found it to be the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful (or sometimes last minute) gift for the people that I find to be the most difficult to pick something out for. The staff are friendly are friendly, attentive, and always willing to answer a question or talk about art with.

I love this place! It's pretty big with a respectably large permanent exhibit collection. They have a large area for traveling collections, cafe, and the obligatory gift shop. However, the gift shop sells more than just mass produced souvenirs one could get anywhere. They also have a back room with original works!

Awesome gallery! The space was large and had a mix of modern and older artwork. There is a coat check if you have luggage. Their signs at tickets are misleading, admission to the gallery except for the special exhibit is actually by donation.

You can visit just with a donation. You choose the amount. It’s worth a visit (if you don’t have anything else left in you to do list in Seattle) but don’t expect anything at the level of other Modern art museums (such as Chicago of NY).

You don’t get much to see in the museum. If you are a fan of modern art, you may find something to enjoy. After the tour, I went to market place on the first floor. The lobster roll is delicious and the vibe is great.

I'll never understand why if they're out of something on the 1st floor, they can't go to the 4th floor and get them and restock.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Seattle Art Museum has a fantastic permanent northwest collection on display. Traveling exhibits also grace the Museum's galleries. It is always an enlightening place to spend several hours.

Me ha gustado mucho porque tiene una gran variedad de temas desde egipcios,romanos, arte indígena, ,arte Sacro europeo, pintura Europea ,americana y exposiciones puntuales muy interesantes!!

Well organized, interesting variety of art exhibits, multiple seating areas for rests and the attached cafe had drinkable coffee at tolerable prices.

Been visiting this pillar of Seattle and Ballard for more than 25 years. Don't forget the day old shelf for making epic croutons and bread pudding.

Great place, lovely lighting for the art! And it was a pay-what-you-want day which was really cool (as being a broke college student can be hard)

perfect way to end the day for a woulda-been, coulda-been artistic dilletante, and rub-shoulders with some who are. bring a friend these events!

Me and my lady went and gave our tickets which still had time on them to two girl that seem to be in high school. They were shocked and happy.

Place is free to enter but you can contribute what ever you'd like. Some very nice exhibits. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

We came not in the best time. Between excebitions. So we didn't had too much to see. I wish they had guided tour for the permanent show.

Nice gift collection but weird staff. The lady with the short grey hair and glasses was super rude and loud. I felt very uncomfortable.

It's a really good museum, has a lot of very different areas so you'll probably end up finding lots of things you'll find interesting.

Love the SAM Shop! Friendly staff and great inventory. Honestly, the best museum store in town. Great for souvenirs and gifts too!

Artworks were displayed beautifully and staff was super helpful. However, admission wasn't cheap and the gallery was very sparse.

Amazing displays and diversity of art genres. Wish the Egyptian displays were larger butt overall an outstanding time.

Small, varies from kinda interesting art to boring art. Other than that comfortable and worth a quick stroll through.

Attended on 1st Thursday of month and it was free. The Flesh and blood works exhibited were inspiring!

I've been visiting the SAM for over a decade. It is a main attraction for me. Great rotating exhibits.

Great views of the city and an essential element of a walking tour of Old Fourth Ward. (O4W)

Great modern art permanent collection, it's about a 3 hour visit if you take your time.

I was disappointed in the Victorian show but the museum has other displays I enjoy.

Omg! I was taken aback by the sheer amount of art and sculptures. Amazing!!

Showed art of some of countries I have visited. The place is very uptight!

Amazing Museum! Has a nice atmosphere and the art shown here is great!

Exceptional place exceptional exhibits exceptional food in the cafe

Variety of art! 1st Thursday of the month is free. Thank you ❤️

Amazing artist displays can be found here! Definitely a go to!

Always something new to discouver and immerse oneself in.

Amazing experience, a place to go if you are on Seattle

Wonderful museum experience for my family and me!

Seattle is lucky to have such a great museum.

So much to see. Spent about 3 hours there.

Just a cool place. Love the African masks

Great exhibit from the Capodimonte Museum

Must visit in Seattle for all art lovers

Great selection. Great staff. Great fun

I'd recommend this facility to everyone

Soon enough they will feature my work!

#art #modernart #rainyday #inspiration

Much history, and an amazing guide.

great organization helping families

Worth a trip if you are in seattle

Cool place to see with the adults

Seattle art fair .august4~8.2016

Excellent collection of arts

It was a great experience.

Love it so interesting

다양한 전시가 모여 있는 생각보다 큰 곳

Always worth a visit!

World class facility

Lots of great art.

Fantastic gallery

Simply brilliant

Estupendo musdo

Cool place!!!

Very nice!

Bellissimo

Eh, is ok

It's ok