Frye Art Museum

Address:	704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
Phone:	+1 206-622-9250
Site:	fryemuseum.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–7PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Casey Penk

One cant help but appreciate what the folks at Frye are trying to do. Theyre a rare free museum and thus committed to the public good. And nor are their donation appeals intrusive -- they simply set up a box near the exit. The problem: theres no "there" there. This is a glorified gallery, with a tiny collection. You can get through the place in less than an hour. I parsed through the first floor; Im not clear if there was any more to the place but they didnt direct visitors upstairs. The collection isnt particularly distinguished, either. I saw the PAN exhibition, a collection of copies of great works. Not impressive. A small place should show the very best, but they just dont have it. The pieces hailed from the late 1800s and early 1900s, a period interesting only because it illustrates the evolution of art to modernity. Context aside, the pieces were uninspiring -- undeveloped abstraction without classical beauty. A successful museum will harmonize gallery and art. The Frye doesnt. The construction of the space makes it feel oddly empty. The galleries are large boxes, but the work in the PAN exhibit was roughly letter-sized. This mismatch lent an uncomfortable aesthetic. The spaces would be better suited to larger works. Moving walls (a la Whitney) would also work. The small details fall apart too. The PAN logo, one they called custom-designed, didnt even employ basic kerning. Hard to believe that no competent designers were available in Seattle of all places. At least one of the frames was poorly constructed, loose at the corner. It looked like one youd buy at Walmart. A museum exists to showcase beauty and it should only commit to details that accentuate that beauty. Sloppiness damages the experience. If youre able, I encourage you to give to this and other arts institutions. They could use the funding.

Lisa TR

The Frye is a great place to pop in for a quick look at some interesting art and community events. I think it would function much better as a more contemporary art space--and can feel the tension between the urge to do so and more traditional leanings (probably because of the home collection itself). But it is still a great place. I love the mid-day meditation and face lift of the gift shop (horrah!!). I would change up the menu to have more interesting foods--seems a bit too down home and could have more interesting small bits and vegan/veggie offerings outside of the brie/hummus standard selections. There was one museum guard who drove me crazy every time I was there so much so that I withdrew my membership (ie she kept yelling at everyone to step away from the paintings when they were well over two feet away! It was loud and so annoying! I complained several times, but she just stayed and continued to yell at people). But I think I might join again now that I havent seen her there in a while :) Anyway, great place for art, some food, great gifts and fantastic classes. Thanks for being here, Frye!! ps Please, please, PLEASE dont bring that boring commentator who thinks he knows everything about film (the one that did a poor job with the Greenway retrospective). I want to stab my ears out every time I accidently come back to those talks with him facilitating. He just likes hearing his own unauthoritative voice!!

William Wolf

Its a welcoming place, and the people who work there are friendly and informative. There are often one or two special exhibits, and also the main collection. The main collection, while attractive, is made up of very minor 19th century European artists, for the large part. Nonetheless, its interesting to see, in no small part because of the way in which the paintings are displayed, which reflects the fashion of that century. The walls are covered almost from floor to ceiling in what seems to be a jumble of canvases. Admission is always free.

Jeong-eun Kim

I just arrived Hotel from there. Frankly it is a small but fine museum for classic painting lover. I liked the way of there display the paintings and discription book aside, I also enjoyed the tiny garden cafe area. Unfortunately, however, my great feeling just broken with a lady in museum store. I dont really understand that why she was so rude to me. l feel almost racial discrimination Ive got. I should say something to her or her manager but I was so embarrsed in that time . Someone in Frye Art Museum, Please do something.

A Private User

When I found out there was a free art museum near by my house I knew I had to go. I was not sure what to expect but I was pretty surprised at the diversity of the art. The puppet exhibit was freaky but really amazing at the same time. I thought it was truly unique and I was not disappointed. They also had some stunning classical art. Overall, I would say take a look at this place and you just might be surprised. If nothing else it would be a nice way to escape for an hour.

Maxime Rigaud

I went to the "To: Seattle | Subject: Personal" exibition. I first explored alone and wandered more than 2 hours and found the information next to the art quite helpfull but not as much as I would have liked. I went back the next day for a guided tour. It was done by a Seattle University Art History student, she was very helpfull and asked the "party" what the art made us feel. It was a very pleasant experience sadly only an hour.

Tracy Nguyen

Nice place to drop by during quick visit to downtown. Has a free parking lot across the street so was convenient. Pan Gongkai exhibit was there when I visited, black and white paintings of lotus flower. Totally neat. Has a small cafe with sit down tables and gift shop. And FREE admission everyday (closed sunday)!! Check their events page for storytelling for kids, meditation hour, and other offers.

Edward Aites

Along with SAM and SAAM and the EMP museum, this is one of the must-see art venues in Seattle. They used to be mostly Victorian / Edwardian art centered, but in the past couple of decades have booked more contemporary shows. They usually have at least 2 or 3 shows running, along with the permanent collection. Unique among Seattle museums, they have free admission and free parking.

Matthew Miller

A free museum with a small collection. There seem to be traveling exhibits at certain times of the year. Its German art in the late 1800s and early 1900s that didnt see the changing times of modern art and stuck to more traditional salon style pieces. These are of a style of painting I admire but there is a lack of information readily available.

Rod Shumaker

As usual there are more exhibition spaces closed for setting up new shows than there are open and installed shows. It is a free gallery with a bistro that serves great food. Its better for the food than the exhibits. I am an advocate for making art available for everyone and applaud that motivation. Loved the chicken salad.

Krisztina Zsiga

One of my favorite museums in Seattle. Great collection of beautiful paintings. Very interesting, surprising, upbeat, rich, modern exhibitions in the past. Always enjoying every visit to the Fry. The Gallery Café serves wine, coffee,food. It also have Happy hours. The entry to the Museum is free.

Mark Zivney

I enjoyed the historical older selection of art. However, I am not a huge fan of the modern art installations. Mostly, the modern art struck me as bizarre and distasteful. I would suggest a revision to reduce the amount of modern art and return to displaying more traditional art.