There is great art to be found in Tacoma, WA. Although most people think of Seattle when it comes to the arts, Tacoma has a vibrant culture of museums and theatre that isn’t to be ignored. One sees this best when they visit the Tacoma Art Museum and experience one of the best places in the city.
The Tacoma Art Museum has worked with world famous glass artist and hometown legend Dale Chihuly to create an art scene to be cherished by the local community. Today, this museum is at the center of cultural events in Tacoma. Find out why the Tacoma Art Museum should be on your list of places to visit the next time you find yourself in Tacoma.
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402 Phone: (253) 272-4258What to See?
The Tacoma Art Museum focuses on a variety of art. The only permanent exhibit is the one that focuses on the Chihuly’s works. (Chihuly is one of the main benefactors of the museum and has had a relationship with them for many years.) One area is devoted to traveling exhibits that showcase great artists who have made an impact on the development of art. The other room is used to display local artists who have focused on a variety of topics.
Just down the street from the Tacoma Art Museum is an outdoor art display that’s part of an overall arts focus in the downtown area. There are many other museums such as the Washington State History Museum that are worth visiting. The University of Washington Tacoma campus is located across the street from the museum itself making this is a very centralized location. If you have the time and the weather is cooperating walking around in this part of the city is very relaxing.
What to Eat?
There is an excellent café located in the lobby of the Tacoma Art Museum called the Relish Café. The Relish Café serves fresh salads, sandwiches and soups along with coffees and teas. It’s a well-priced place to enjoy a nice lunch without having to walk down the street. Be warned that the café closes in the early afternoon so make sure you come in to eat before closing time. The servers are always friendly and the food is very fresh making your dining experience a nice addition to what’s already a fantastic day at the Tacoma Art Museum.
What’s the Cultural Value?
The Tacoma Art Museum is one of the best repositories of the arts in Tacoma. Besides the plethora of exhibits you’ll find here there are regularly scheduled social events throughout the year that are held here ranging from concerts to art talks. Altogether, there’s no doubt that the Tacoma Art Museum one of the most important arts-related places in Tacoma.
Recommended Place to Stay
I personally recommend the Courtyard Marriott because it’s centrally located and is highly rated. I’ve stayed here for events in the past and have never had a problem. Although there are other hotels in the area, this one probably gives you the best bang for your buck out of all of them.
How Is the Overall Rating?
The Tacoma Art Museum is a fantastic place for people of all ages. This museum has everything that makes an art museum worth visiting. There is always a wide variety of exhibits, an excellent café and a great selection of regularly occurring events. I love the Tacoma Art Museum for its ability to make art accessible for anyone who wants to check it out. This 5/5 star venue is the best museum in Tacoma in my opinion. I think that anyone who stops in town needs to make it a priority to visit the Tacoma Art Museum to fully experience the city.
