Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

The Visiting Info shown below, if any, is always subject to change. Please check the facility's website for the latest information before making a trip.

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O V E R V I E W

Facility:

Description:

Founded in 1885, the Burke Museum is Washington state's oldest museum. The Burke Museum features changing exhibits for the general public to enjoy on subjects ranging from current research and recent discoveries in natural history to the finest traditional and contemporary cultural arts.

From Burke 101 to wildlife photographers, Thursday night lectures to family weekend activities, the Burke offers a special program for everyone.

A D D R E S S

Address 1:

On the UW campus at 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street

Address 2:

City:

Seattle

State/Province:

Zip Code:

98195

V I S I T I N G I N F O

Hours:

Open daily, 10 am - 5 pm.
On the first Thursday of each month, the museum stays open until 8 pm and admission is free.
See the events page on the website for their constantly changing calendar.

Admission:

General Admission: $8 general, $6.50 seniors, $5 students and youth (5 & up w/ID) FREE to children 4 and under, Free Admission First Thursdays

Telephone:

(206) 543-5590

Website:

Visit Website

R E V I E W S

Janet C, Co-op Member

This one is a family favorite. The upstairs includes a rotating exhibit space, and a space devoted to geology and wildlife of Washington state. Downstairs includes exhibits of various Pacific cultures, with lots of little pull-out drawers for younger kids to explore. We like to bring our sketchbooks and draw the artwork and masks on display down here. Listening to the traditional Hawaiian instruments is also a favorite with my kids. There is also a small coffee shop for drinks or snacks.

Register with the education department to get email notification of homeschool days offered two or three times per school year. Parents get in free, and student admissions are discounted. Special docent-led programs are also available throughout the day, including games and crafts related to museum exhibits. A room is set aside on homeschool days for sack lunches as well, so you don't have to buy food.

The main negative for families is that the building is not stroller friendly. There is an elevator for handicapped visitors accompanied by a staff member, but moms will have to carry their strollers up and down the stairs. (There are only two floors, and the stairs are wide and not steep.)

Lindsey, Co-op Member

We've gone to the Burke Museum many times and my children love going there. The best is the dino days. Although it is busy, they have all of their specialists out that talk and interact with the kids. A must go for any family that has a child who loves fossils and gems.