Washington State History Museum

Address:	1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA
Phone:	+1 253-272-3500
Site:	washingtonhistory.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 31

Angela Schauer

In my visit to the Washington State History Museum, I explored their exhibit on Washington Women. The exhibit, entitled “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices,” focused on Women’s History and suffrage. There was some general information, but with a heavy focus on Washington state women and the state’s history of suffrage. Throughout the other exhibits, women were briefly mentioned but they were not the focus. The collection for the “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices,” consisted mainly of photographs, text relaying the history, a petition, telegraph, letters, and other documents. This exhibit could answer questions relating to the main players in women’s suffrage in Washington as well as the struggles and successes of gaining the vote. This resource would give a good background for research and some primary sources. This particular exhibit was not digitized and available remotely. However, the website for the museum offers a page expressly dedicated to the Women’s History Consortium. This page brings together various partners to make women’s history materials available online. Angela Schauer

Zach Cratty

Seems like a place you may not want to go unless in the mood for history, you would be COMPLETELY wrong in thinking that. This place is amazing, it is a great price for how much you get to learn about the state of Washington and city of Tacoma. Excellent layout, beautiful art and helpful staff. When you go, be sure to carve out a good bit of time because I promise you will get wrapped up in all the wonderful things in the exhibits you wont realize 3hours has passed.

Melissa King

I thought it would have more to do with various cities in WA and what they have to offer and what they were like yrs ago. I think the most I learned was when we were scrapbooking. Hope their open to more historic info, like how much crops we had vs now and how the health and education system has changed. They also have 3 floors that have nothing to do with WH. Whould like to see more hands on deck type of art/ making something that WA is best known for.

Patrick Panzera

Not impressed one bit. It was more of a visitors center than a museum. Virtually none of the items were old. Display items such as crates, chairs, tables, work benches and even a passenger rail car are all totally newly crafted reproductions, and not accurate at all. And while the architectural appeal of the outside of the building was impressive, the inside is bare concrete with zero artistic value, save a few art deco weldments.

Tessa Shaw

I have been to the Washington State History Museum on many occasions. They always have great displays and of course being a museum it is very educational and fun for the whole family. This is also a great place to have a party, my friend got married at the Museum a few years back, I didnt even realize they offered that, you can have all types of events there. They also have great educational programs for kids.

Charlie Calvert

They did a beautiful job putting this museum together. There are great sections on the natural world, Native Americans, and the economic and social history of the state. This museum goes pretty deep, with plenty of material to explore and study. To finish up, dont forget to go upstairs and see the beyond spectacular model trains...

Bruce Kalter

Great experience, I love to visit museums when I am traveling, gives me an idea of the people in the area, and helps me understand the societal experience, This museum gives you the idea of the hard work and determination needed to make Washington State what it is. It includes original Indians to the importance railroad and coal.

Lisa Bennick

Stop by here and take in some Washington State history. History experience in a modern setting. Exhibits put together well. Not that great for a kid friendly experience. Good for those who prefer to take in sights without a bunch of kids running around bad for those who know their kids are going to touch everything they can.

Mandy Olson

We live in a smaller community in Grays Harbor. I have taken my children here to experience Museums, other cultures, and what life is like in a bigger city. We look forward to more trips. We came to the exhibit on August 13, 2016, and the 11 year old had a blast. Not to mention the third Thursday from 2-8 is free admission.

Jeremy Silver

Our church rents out the auditorium on Sunday mornings. Our family likes to tour the museum afterward as their exhibits seem to rotate out about every quarter. Parking is super easy and reasonable, great upstairs learning area for kids of all ages, always clean and very well kept, and the staff are so friendly and helpful.

Roseanne Murphy

Model railroad is incredible. One of largest displays in Washington state. Exhibits change frequently. One of blue star museums, which means free for military families between Memorial Day and be Labor Day. Near Museum of Glass

Timothy Humbert

Got married here in 2015 and it was a great venue! Staff were super amazing at meeting our needs, and all-in-all, it made my wedding "historic"! Guests were even allowed to tour the museum after the reception which was cool.

A Private User

So nice to have this museum in our community. Weve been several times. Many interesting exhibits for young and old. Great place to spend the day. History never gets old. Pun intended.

Sara Weir

The staff here are informwd ans friendly. Unfortunately, the exhibits are sub-par. Little of interest. Out of 5 floors, only 2 had exhibits. I wanted to love it but it fell short.

TD Petersen

Its sort of a native American museum above anything else. Lots of Washington state History but mostly Indian related things. Kinda pricey but still impressive nonetheless

STEVE HARRIS

Unfortunately, the cost of living today limits several activities for families. So, we are unable to enjoy one of the few pleasures life has to offer; attend a museum.

Ser laikiat

Worth for 2-3hours visit with free pass get from library. Parking is $10 beside the museum, bit expensive. Advice have one day trip to cover other museums nearby

A Private User

Never dull, always surprising and memorable. Take your family, go as a couple, mix up your book club meetings...we are lucky to have this resource!

Mariann Crow

Plenty to see. Had a wonderful time seeing everything. And even all the vendors that were there were very interesting not to usual stuff

John Bousquet

You can get a FREE PASS for this, the Art Museum, and the Glass Museum at the public Library.Just ask. Each library has them! Enjoy

Rich Watson

Excellent community resource. Exhibits are top notch. Proximity to the Museum of Glass and public transportation is very helpful.

Stephen Jackson

Wonderful place with incredible exhibits that show off so much of Washington States rich history from prehistoric to modern times.

Chris Aldridge

You can check out a free pass from the library, cool stuff inside. Check out the mini train village history of Tacoma.