Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum, known locally as SAM, occupies a prominent downtown building at 1300 First Avenue in Seattle, Washington. Its collections span ancient to contemporary art, with particular strength in Native American art of the Northwest Coast, African art, Asian art, European painting and modern and contemporary work. Visitors on the main floors move between permanent galleries and rotating special exhibitions, which often carry a separate or higher admission. The building is recognisable from the street by the large Hammering Man kinetic sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky, which stands outside the entrance and is a popular photo subject. A typical visit takes two to three hours, and the museum is organised so that visitors can focus on a single collection in less time. The Native American galleries are widely regarded as a highlight, with carved poles, masks and textiles from the Pacific Northwest tribes presented with attention to context. The museum is a short walk from Pike Place Market and the waterfront, and it sits directly beside University Street Station on the Link light rail line. Crowds are lightest on weekday afternoons and busiest at weekends and during major exhibitions. Thursday evenings offer extended hours until 8:00 PM and are a relaxed time to visit. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday, so planning is needed. Children aged 14 and under enter free, which makes the museum affordable for families. Visitors who plan to also see the Olympic Sculpture Park, SAM's free outdoor sibling on the waterfront, can combine the two in a single outing. Photography without flash is typically allowed in the permanent collection, while special exhibitions may restrict it, so visitors should check signage in each gallery. A museum cafe and shop are on site.