WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

Washington State History Museum

The Washington State History Museum is where fascination and FUN come together! People of all ages can explore and be entertained in an environment where characters from Washington's past speak about their lives. Through interactive exhibits, theatrical storytelling, high-tech displays and dramatic artifacts, learn about our state's unique people and places, as well as their impact on the country and the world.

Begin your journey through Washington with an architectural masterpiece: designed by Charles Moore and Arthur Andersson, the 106,000 square foot museum building stands proudly on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. The museum boasts soaring spaces and dramatic archways that invite you into a history experience full of colors, textures, sights, and sounds.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather, the Washington State Historical Society will follow the closure status of the Tacoma Public School District. If TPSD schools are closed, the History Museum will be closed. If the TPSD schools choose a delayed start, the History Museum will operate under normal hours from 10am-5pm, Wednesday-Sunday.

Please check the Tacoma Public School District website for closure information.

Hours

Monday   

Closed

Tuesday    

Closed

Wednesday   

10 AM-5 PM

Thursday   

10 AM-5 PM*

Friday   

10 AM-5 PM

Saturday   

10 AM-5 PM

Sunday   

10 AM-5 PM

*On the Third Thursday of each month, the Museum is open until 8 PM with FREE admission from 2-8 PM. Learn more about Third Thursday Artwalk.

Rates

General Admission:

Historical Society Members:

FREE
Become a member today!

Adult (18 & over):

$9.50

Seniors (60+):

$7.00

Students (6-17 years) :

$7.00

Military:

$7.00

Child (5 and under):

 

FREE

Group Rates (at least 15 people):

Adult Group Rate
(must be booked at least
two weeks in advance):

Adult (18 & over) rate: $8.75
Senior (60+) rate: $6.00

School Field Trip Rate
(must be booked at least
two weeks in advance):

$4.00 per student (see EDUCATION
for more information about booking field trips).

History Lab Field Trip Rate
(must be booked at least
two weeks in advance):

$6.00 per student (see EDUCATION
for more information about
booking field trips).

Driving Directions

From I-5 North or South take the City Center exit #133. Follow the I-705/City Center signs to 21st Street where you'll turn left, and then turn right onto Pacific Avenue.

Parking

Museum parking lot (marked P on the map) is located on Pacific Avenue and behind the museum near the Group Entrance.

Directions

Parking for our disabled visitors is available on the back (east) side of the museum, next to the freeway. There is an entrance at the lower level with an elevator, and a ramp leads up to the Pacific Avenue level.

Disabled Parking and Ramp

Please visit the Parking Directions and Rates page for a map of other parking facilities in the Museum district.

Washington State History Museum Logo
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-3500
1-888-BE THERE
(253) 272-9518 Fax
Field Trip Donation Ad
HOLIDAYS OPEN:
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
Presidents' Day
Veterans' Day
Easter Sunday
HOLIDAYS CLOSED:
Memorial Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Independence Day
MIDWEEK AT THE MUSEUMS:
Wednesday only
Visit all three museums — Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum (TAM), and the Museum of Glass (MoG) for one low price!
Adult: $22.00
Senior Military: $20.00
Student: $18.00

MEMBERS OF THE HISTORY MUSEUM receive 1/2 price admission to TAM and MoG on Wednesdays!