Tacoma Art Museum is a lovely museum that is not huge, requiring only a couple of hours to see. It is an anchor in the city’s downtown Museum District and is great for kids and families. The museum usually features interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt throughout, along with an art studio for kids, a snack shop, and a store. Its collection contains more than 5,300 works, with an emphasis on the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region. Highlights include a large retrospective collection of glass art by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly on continued view. The museum offers free admission on Thursday after 5 PM and during special free admission events for celebrations like Día de los Muertos, Halloween, and the “In the Spirit” Northwest Native Festival. These events provide a fun day with unique and interesting art, though occasionally a specific exhibit may be unexpectedly closed. Parking is not free but is reasonably priced, and the on-site cafe has snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. The second floor offers an amazing view of the Tacoma Dome. Overall, it provides a pleasant experience where visitors can indulge and immerse themselves in the cultures displayed.
