Cedartree Management Company Blog

Looking for moving tips, seasonal storage guides, or spring cleaning inspiration? Check out the blog to see how you can do more with your self storage unit at Cedartree Management Company.

Return To Blog
A couple walks a path hand in hand looking at sculptures through a sculpture garden.

The 5 Best Art Museums in the Pacific Northwest

August 22, 2024 |by Cedartree Management Company
All Things To Do Art Pnw Artist

The Pacific Northwest is a region celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic community. Stretching across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, this area is home to some of the finest art museums in the country. Whether you're an art aficionado or just looking to explore something new, these museums offer a perfect blend of historical masterpieces, contemporary works, and regional artistry. Here are the five best art museums in the Pacific Northwest that should be on every art lover's itinerary.

a from behind a person sitting on a bench in an art museum looking at a piece of art in an ornate gold frame

Portland Art Museum (Portland, Oregon)

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s cultural scene. The museum boasts a diverse collection of over 42,000 objects, ranging from Native American artifacts to contemporary art. Notable exhibits include the museum's extensive collection of Native American art, which highlights the region's indigenous heritage, and the modern and contemporary art galleries that feature works by artists such as Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol.

Must-See: The Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art within the museum is a must-visit for those interested in cutting-edge, thought-provoking works.

A view looking up at the Seattle Art Museum with a large sculpture outside on the corner of the street

Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, Washington)

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a dynamic cultural hub located in the heart of downtown Seattle. With a collection that spans centuries and continents, SAM offers something for everyone. The museum is particularly renowned for its impressive collection of Asian art, one of the most extensive in the United States. Additionally, SAM's modern and contemporary art collection is a highlight, featuring works by renowned artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Jackson Pollock.

Must-See: The museum's Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor extension of SAM, offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and a chance to experience large-scale sculptures in a stunning natural setting.

An outside view of the entrance to the Boise Art Museum

Boise Art Museum (Boise, Idaho)

The Boise Art Museum (BAM) is a gem in Idaho’s cultural landscape, offering an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional art. The museum is particularly focused on exhibiting and promoting the work of regional artists, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the art of the American West. BAM's collection includes everything from Native American artifacts to modern photography, ensuring a broad appeal.

Must-See: The museum's outdoor sculpture garden is a tranquil space where art and nature converge, offering a unique experience for visitors.

An outside view of the Tacoma Art Museum from across the street. A group of people stand outside of the museum, with a large concrete exterior and the letters TAM on the building.

Tacoma Art Museum (Tacoma, Washington)

The Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) is a vibrant institution known for its dedication to Northwest art. The museum's collection is heavily focused on works from artists in the Pacific Northwest, offering a deep dive into the region's artistic heritage. TAM is also home to the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art, which includes pieces by some of the most significant artists of the American West.

Must-See: The museum's collection of glass art, particularly works by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly, is a highlight and pays homage to the region's rich history in glassmaking.

A view of the courtyard inside of the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. An all bring building surrounds a small courtyard filled with plants and a small crystalline blue rectangular body of water sits in the middle of the foliage.

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (Eugene, Oregon)

Located on the University of Oregon campus, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is a cultural treasure trove with a diverse collection that includes everything from Asian art to modern and contemporary works. The museum is known for its stunning collection of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean art, making it a significant institution for anyone interested in Asian art. JSMA also frequently hosts rotating exhibitions that bring international art to the Pacific Northwest.

Must-See: The museum’s extensive Asian art collection, particularly its Chinese jade carvings and Japanese woodblock prints, offers a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of East Asia.

The Pacific Northwest is a region rich in artistic talent and cultural heritage, and its art museums reflect this diversity and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to ancient artifacts, contemporary masterpieces, or the works of regional artists, these five museums offer something for everyone. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the art and culture that define this beautiful part of the world.