Cross-section of Liquidambar changii infructescence fossil from Yakima Canyon, Washington, 15.6 million years old

Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled on the University of Washington campus, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is Washington State’s oldest public museum and one of Seattle’s premier destinations for exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1885 by the Young Naturalists Society, the museum has evolved into a world-class institution housing more than 18 million artifacts and specimens—from ancient fossils to vibrant Indigenous art (TripHobo, WhichMuseum).

With a mission rooted in stewardship, education, and community engagement, the Burke Museum is especially committed to honoring Indigenous cultures through collaborative programming and exhibits. Its state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2019, offers open-view labs, extensive fossil galleries, and dynamic showcases of Northwest Native art and culture (Burke Museum Visitor Guide PDF, Seattle Attractions, Visit Seattle).

This comprehensive guide covers visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, exhibits, and insider travel tips, ensuring a memorable experience at one of Seattle’s top historical and cultural attractions (Lonely Planet).

Founding and Early Years (1885–1899)
Institutional Growth and Modernization (1899–Present)
Permanent Collections Overview
Key Exhibits and Visitor Highlights
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Visitor Experience
Nearby Attractions
Interactive and Educational Experiences
Events and Special Programs
Amenities and Visitor Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
Digital Access and Research
Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Founding and Early Years (1885–1899)

The Burke Museum’s origins trace to 1885, when the Young Naturalists Society—Seattle high school students and local naturalists—began collecting and studying regional flora, fauna, and geology. This grassroots effort reflected a wider movement to document and conserve America’s natural history (TripHobo). In 1899, the Washington State Legislature officially recognized the museum, then called the Washington State Museum, acknowledging its growing significance in education and preservation.

Institutional Growth and Modernization (1899–Present)

Naming and Expansion: Renamed in honor of Judge Thomas Burke, a key supporter, the museum expanded rapidly in the early 20th century through university partnerships, expeditions, and donations (WhichMuseum, Visit Seattle).

Modernization: In 2019, the museum opened a new, purpose-built facility featuring open-view labs, visible collections storage, and immersive galleries. This design allows visitors to watch scientists and artists at work, making the research process transparent and accessible (Seattle Attractions, Burke Museum Visitor Guide PDF).

Permanent Collections Overview

Biology Collections

Ornithology: Extensive bird specimens for research and conservation.
Mammalogy, Herpetology, Ichthyology: Regional mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
Botany: A major herbarium documenting local plant diversity.

Geology & Paleontology Collections

Fossils: Dinosaur bones, ancient marine life, and Ice Age mammals.
Minerals and Rocks: Samples from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Cultural Heritage Collections

Northwest Native Art and Culture: Totem poles, masks, textiles, and contemporary Indigenous art.
Ethnology and Archaeology: Artifacts representing cultures from around the world, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest.

Key Exhibits and Visitor Highlights

Fossils Uncovered: See the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skull, a saber-toothed cat fossil, and watch paleontologists at work (Seattle Attractions).
Culture is Living: Interactive displays and live demonstrations by Native artists and researchers (Seattle Attractions).
Amazing Life Gallery: Explore Pacific Northwest biodiversity with hands-on displays and native plant gardens (Burke Museum Visitor Guide PDF).
Rare Air: Connecting with Species of Flight: Focused on endangered birds, bats, butterflies, and bees and their conservation (SEAToday).
Special Installations: Includes a 16-foot Tiffany stained glass window and a 60-foot mural by RYAN! Feddersen (Burke Museum Exhibits).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Free admission on the first Thursday of each month from 3–7 PM (Burke Museum Events).
Tickets: Purchase online or at the door. Typical prices: $22 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and youth; free for children under 4. Current rates and online sales.
Membership: Pays for itself in 3 visits; includes unlimited admission and program discounts (Burke Museum Membership).
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and family facilities.

Travel Tips and Visitor Experience

Getting There: Located at 4303 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA. Accessible by Metro bus, Link Light Rail (UW Station), car, or bike. Paid parking is available nearby, but spots can fill during peak times—arrive early or use transit (Burke Museum).
Best Times: Weekday mornings and non-holiday periods are less crowded.
Plan for 2–3 Hours: To fully enjoy galleries, labs, and interactive exhibits.
Photography: Allowed (no flash) in most areas.
Dining: No full-service café, but outdoor seating is available; many dining options nearby on campus (Kelli Wong Photography).

Nearby Attractions

University of Washington Campus: Noted for cherry blossoms and historic architecture.
Washington Park Arboretum: Beautiful gardens and walking trails.
Lake Washington and Husky Stadium: Scenic views and recreational opportunities.
Henry Art Gallery and University District: Art, shopping, and local eateries (Kelli Wong Photography).

Interactive and Educational Experiences

Open-View Labs: Observe real-time research on fossils and artifacts.
Hands-On Activities: “I Dig Dinos” fossil dig, interactive workshops, STEAM spotlights.
Artist Studio Sessions: Meet local artists and watch live demonstrations (Burke Museum Events, To & Fro Fam).

Events and Special Programs

Free First Thursday: Free admission with special programming (Burke Museum Events).
STEAM Spotlights: Themed cultural celebrations.
Family Days and Dino Fest: Seasonal events for all ages (Dino Fest Event Page).

Amenities and Visitor Services

Gift Shop: Unique gifts, books, Indigenous art, and educational toys.
Family Facilities: Restrooms, changing tables, stroller-friendly pathways.
Self-Service Coat Check: Located near the entrance.
Sensory-Friendly Resources: Programming and materials for neurodiverse visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Burke Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Adult tickets are typically $22; discounts for seniors, students, youth; children under 4 free. Free admission on the first Thursday of each month from 3–7 PM.

Q: Is the Burke Museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, including regular tours and special programs. Check the website for schedules.

Q: Where is the museum located?
A: 4303 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA, on the University of Washington campus.

Q: Are there family-friendly activities?
A: Yes, including hands-on exhibits, visible labs, and educational workshops.

Cultural Significance and Community Engagement

The Burke Museum stands on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples, with a deep commitment to respectful collaboration and cultural representation. Exhibits and educational programs are co-developed with Indigenous communities, and the museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the region’s biodiversity, geology, and Indigenous heritage (Burke Museum Visitor Guide PDF, WhichMuseum).

The museum also addresses contemporary issues such as climate change and urbanization, fostering stewardship and public engagement through research and outreach (Seattle Attractions).

Digital Access and Research

The Burke Museum offers extensive online resources, including virtual tours, educational videos, and searchable databases of its collections, supporting both lifelong learning and academic research.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Burke Museum to experience the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders, Indigenous cultures, and scientific discovery all in one place. For current hours, ticketing, events, and virtual resources, visit the official Burke Museum website. Download the Audiala app for personalized museum guides and follow Burke Museum on social media for the latest updates. Enhance your Seattle adventure by exploring nearby cultural and natural attractions.