Once a month, on Thursday, the public gets the run of some wonderful Seattle-area museums, cultural centers and gardens with no admission charges. Venues with outdoor components particularly inviting this time of year, such as UW Arboretum's JAPANESE GARDEN, or Downtown's gallery ART WALK.
Offer open to individuals or creating a "First Thursday" group! OK by me if non-timebank people attend with you if desired.
(See below for non-Thursday venue ideas - a bit farther afield)
Schduling: I can leave WS after work - between 5:30 and 6pm this week and perhaps earlier over the summer. Am open to taking public tranport for downtown venues (often much easier than driving). If interested, contact me and we'll figure out compatible dates / times.
Depending on the exhibit, choice may vary, but always enjoy visiting the following:
Seattle Japanese Garden - UW Arboretum
One of the most highly regarded Japanese-style gardens in North America. 3.5 acres
Tuesday through Sunday: 10AM to 7PM.
Museum of History and Industry 860 Terry Ave N
The permanent exhibits on the History of Seattle and on Maritime Seattle. Nice outdoor areas for summer eves - historic boats and Center for Wooden Boats. Bonus: Cafe open until 8pm.
Museum of Flight 9404 E Marginal Way S, Tukwila
Hours: First Thursday 5 to 9 p.m. It’s great for anyone with an interest in aviation, travel, science, history or any number of other areas. (Bonus: Parking is always free!)
Seattle Art Museum 1300 1st Ave
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through SundayFree first-Thursday tickets will give you the run of the permanent collection and special exhibitions these days. ALso free for seniors on First Fridays.
Seattle Asian Art Museum -FREE day is last FRIDAY of the month. Volunteer Park, 1400 E Prospect St.
Northwest African American Museum 2300 S Massachusetts St., Seattle. This would be a first-time visit for me. First Thursdays until 7pm.
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CULTURAL VENUES TO EXPLORE - A LITTLE FARTHER AFIELD - for a Friday or weekend day.:
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial
The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial commemorates the World War II incarceration of the Japanese American community of Bainbridge Island. It is reported to be quite beautiful and peaceful there.
Suquamish Museum - Bainbridge Island
Exhibits explore the Suquamish people and their ancestors have inhabited the Puget Sound area for thousands of years. Chief Seattle's Father Suquamish. (His mother was Duwamish).
Hibulb Cultural Center Tulalip, WA (for a Friday or weekend day trip)The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve is about 35 miles from downtown Seattle. Learn the history of the Tulalip Tribes by checking out an interactive cultural center, longhouse and canoe hall. In addition, Hibulb offers 50 acres of forests and wetlands (!) to explore, too. Free admission is on the first Thursday of each month; otherwise $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students and military veterans.
Also, always intereested in Botanic Gardens!
All three of these would be a first-time visit for me.