Here you will be able to see all the opinions of real people like you who used the products of Washington State History Museum (Museum) in Washington.
At present this business gets a score of 4.6 out of 5 and that score has been based on 785 reviews.
You may have noticed that the average score it has is nearly the best, and it is founded on a very large number of reviews, so we may be pretty sure that the score is very reliable. If there are many people who bothered to evaluate when they are satisfied with the service, it works.
As you know, we don't usually bother to place opinions when they are positive and we usually do it only if we have had a problem or issue...
This Museum is classified in the category of History museum.
Excellent exhibits and interactive learning opportunities. Couldn't see it all in one 2 hour visit...plan set least 3-4 hours if you want to see it all!
I love history.....
Even though its been a few years since i last visited the museum, i have always enjoyed it each time i went. I especially love the rotating exhibits upstairs. My favorite so far was when you had the icons of Washington exhibit
Boring museum, not worth the visit. Seattle's history museum is organized a lot better.
Loved the recycled items exibit the straws were my favorite
So many interesting things to look at and learn about, great prices too. Good for a day trip not good for if you only have a couple hours cause you'll miss out on so much.
First time ever going to Tacoma and as well as the History Museum. Great place to go to with the family.
Significantly smaller than most museums but interesting and informative, like a museum usually is.
Really expansive and informative at a bargain with volunteers that obviously care a great deal about preserving history
Love it! I recommend it
Beautiful museum! I learned so much about Washington State in one afternoon! Close to restaurants too!
Fun and informative for the whole family. The layout is the only challenge for me. Tough to see everything in an organized way. My children were amazed by all the model train exhibits.
Staff wasn't too impressive, but the exhibits were top drawer. Very immersive, beautiful and interesting. I really enjoyed going through the exhibit with my 11 year old daughter, and as a 3rd generation Washingtonian I was proud to show my daughter all the interesting things we have in our history. Also opened up conversations about geological theory, racism, communism, socialism, unions vs business, etc, etc. It did not come across as leaning in any particular direction which I appreciate. Highly recommend for your family.
This is honestly such a hidden gem. The history of Washington State is so fascinating. The exhibits are very interactive and engaging. Not only is it historically played out but also traces back the Geological aspects. A WINNER ALL THE WAY! LOTS for kids to do as well. Nobody will be bored at this rich history Museum
The Washington State History Museum is about the history of Washington State and relation to the Pacific Northwest with artifacts from Women's Suffrage, Industrialization, Native American Tribes and items such as Clovis Points. Washington State History Museum is located in downtown Tacoma, easy to find, lots of great local exhibits also with several interactive exhibits. Check out the Washington State History Museum on your next visit to Tacoma. #localguides
Model Train Show is a wonderful family event.
Nice historical building with lot of artifacts from past kids loved t
So fun and you can interact with lots of things
Great displays. Good information. Only took us about 2 hours to read and see everything we wanted.
We go every year - my kids love coming here
You can not see everything in one day. I've been at least five times. Love it! ♥️
They have fabulous exhibits, it's a beautiful setting, and the have great staff.
Tlinget artists were amazing
I learned a lot and more than a little surprised.
Do huge can't wait to go back
Great displays. Always a new exhibit.
Much more than I expected. I ran out of time to see everything. As a newcomer to the PNW I am always looking for new places to learn about the area. This one hits the mark.
Nice lunch size portion of a slice of pizza and salad at a good price
Checked out the model train expo over holiday at WHM. In depth Washington state historical chapters, rich in content, well displayed. Multiple visits recommended
Would go back. Lots to see
Beautiful museum and a lot to explore ❣️
Always love going to the museum. People are friendly and helpful.
Super fun always good time the kiddo and I enjoyed it!
This oversized kid right here enjoys the hands-on nature of the exhibits and the incredibly personable staff of volunteers. We have enjoyed several of the recent temporary exhibits, particularly Make/Do, Jacob Lawrence and the model train festival.
Really good to visit if you're new to the area. New exhibits all the time.
This is actually a very fun, cute and interactive museum. I loved it.
The Washington State History Museum, in downtown Tacoma, Washington, is one of two museums owned and operated by the Washington State Historical Society under the official approval of the Washington State Legislature, the other being the Capitol Museum. The museum maintains three permanent exhibits. One is about the history of Washington State and relation to the Pacific Northwest with artifacts from Women's Suffrage, Industrialization, Native American Tribes and items such as Clovis Points. The top floor of the museum contains the History Lab, where visitors can explore and learn about history in a more hands-on fashion with multiple interactive exhibits. Also on the top floor is the permanent model train layout, said to be the largest in the state at 1,800 sq ft (170 m2). This is the basis of the annual Model Train Festival that encompasses the whole museum.
Outstanding museum! Awesome displays and lots of interactive displays. Great family destination, good value for the entertainment dollars and you might learn a thing or two
I find it a little to exspensive for what you get. But it is interesting.
Toytopia was a great time but the train model city was incredibly massive and intricate and absolutely amazing. The historical and geographical displays and videos were well made fascinating to view and there were several additions that sparked the kids' interests as well.
This was hard to experience, they don't try to hide history or sugar coat anything. It's wonderful and entertaining, but painful to learn
Had a good time here
Really a must see destination for anyone visiting Western Washington, but ever so more important for residents ourselves! Deep history in beautiful exhibits that appeal to adults as children, with an amazing train display to boot. The special exhibits are wonderful as well - it was Toytopia when we last visited.
It was a nice facility, not very busy. There were a lot of stories about settlers and seemingly random individuals, not as many artifacts or significant historical events as I would like. Worth an hour or so, but not a must see.
Visited for free on 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3 to 8 p.m. Loved the toy exhibit on the 5th floor. Anyone from ages two to ninety would enjoy looking at and playing with toys found and enjoyed over the decades. Some exhibits allow you to relive your childhood with a hands-on experience. We enjoyed playing pack woman and building small cabins with Lincoln Logs. So many interesting exhibits about the history of our state. Definitely recommend going to see.
This place is so much fun for the whole family!
I had a great experience here. The way that it is set up is very classic and informative it's like taking a stroll Through time
Been one of my favorite places to go since I was a kid. Always interesting
awesome museum so awesome that gift shop is open now :)
A good place to spend an afternoon with friends or family. This museum is well taken care of. Clean and staff was friendly. I will definitely come back and bring family or friends here.
Beautiful building, great location, interesting exhibits.
This is a great museum. Can spend a long time here. Upstairs they have a kids section that's alot of fun too. Kids can go and play while you have time to look at everything else. Located close to the glass museum and art museum. Also convenient access to the trolly outside.
The best place to worship the Lord with good friends of faith!
Seemed like a bit of a trite museum experience. I went away wishing I had learned more. Even trying to look up elements of the past the overall span of the history was fuzzy. I've left other museums with a broader grasp of a city and state's culture. Beautiful building and displays.
Went for the In the Spirit festival, there were some wonderful vendors, an amazing singer & we got to check out the awesome exhibits for free. Can't wait to visit the museum for their next event!
Great moon and little black dress exhibit! Consider becoming a member and supporting history!
We went on a weekday and practically had the entire museum to ourselves to explore at our leasure, the exhibits are top - notch and the staff really bring the place to life!
Cool, but has unrealized potential in my opinion. I do appreciate that they tried to at least acknowledge and not whitewash the history of American Indians and other minorities.
It's got cool displays. Some are hands on & the new gift shop has some great items! The staff are very friendly!
You'll need at least 2 hours to do even a cursory tour, but this was a truly world-class museum explaining WA's history, industry and people. Lots of interactive displays, movies and things for kids. Also a stellar model train collection!
This museum is modern and spectacular. I highly recommend this for the family...lots to do and lots of interesting things to learn. It's huge...I could spend several days here!
The displays are incredibly diverse and very well put together. It's a delightful place to visit and learn!
This is awesome Museum. It takes you through the history of Washington State. The geological, historical , cultural , art , science and technological journey across different time frame. The museum is located in the downtown Tacoma. easily accessible via public transit . If you are driving, the parking is spacious. There is enough space in the lower or upper parking lot with reasonable parking fee. I used 2-4 hours option which was $5 in the weekend. The museum itself is divided into two major exhibit floor : 3rd and 5th floor (at the time of my visit there was some construction going on the 4th floor, I am not sure if that will be open for public some time in the future). #rd floor had the history of Washington state. I really like the idea of a Take a ‘car trip of catastrophes’ which shows the 12 places of Washington where some catastrophe occurred. 5th floor had a elaborate exhibition of black dress and science/technology with special mention to railway display. There is an interactive railway display where I spent the most time. The museum is really worth visiting. I would typically spend 3-5 hours depending on your level of interest. The only thing I didn't like was the high entry fee. It should learn from the Smithsonian museums from DC and make this Museum free for all.
Their special exhibits are awesome! Toy topiary convinced us to buy a membership and we returned at least 5 times to see it and Still have not seen everything in the regular exhibits. It's also in this beautiful historic building, with the chulily bridge of glass steps away from their front door. Highly recommend this place!!
Great place for the entire family.
The train layout is the best exhibit. I loved it!
If you went here on field trips as a kid you might think this place is a bit stuffy and old hat. Don't be fooled! Last time I went there was a display of different shoes connected to the stories of their wearers. I stayed and listened to the whole 16 part retelling because it was so interesting. They've also done displays on the women's rights movement, the world wars, and trains to name a few. You can also learn about our state geography, native history and settler history. Check it out, it's worth your time.
This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.
It was great to see the history and it came to life.
You can't see it all in two hours! Well, unless you have small children with you. Then you will probably be done in an hour and a half.
We've been the WSHM several times, and their special exhibitions make the visits worthwhile. The current shows on magicians and creative reuse are a terrific blend of history, fascinating artifacts and contemporary artists--in both cases, topics I wouldn't think could make a cohesive show, yet they do.
This was just ok, I must admit. I was a bit disappointed, as I was hoping for more around how Washington came to be, as a state. The stuff they showcased was interesting, but it was life in general in different eras. Interesting, sure, but I was hoping for more about the first people to settle it, us getting statehood, etc.
I had skipped this museum for the first three years I lived here. I'm sorry I waited so long. It's a good collection of exhibits and artifacts explaining how Washington came to be what it is today. There are also exhibits that are limited run, like the LBD (Little Black Dress) display and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images. Giving it a point off because some of the interactive displays were not working correctly. This museum pairs well with the MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) in Seattle.
I don't think it's all that and a piece of cake too, watching the glass blowers was kinda cool, but it just doesn't float my boat. The prices they want for their art is outrageous. I don't believe this is a necessary part of society. And I'll bet our taxes pay for those furnaces to keep those furnaces at 2100 degrees 24/7/365. I think they need to find a way to make this museum/gallery support itself.
Good display
Fantastic place with so much to see, read, and learn! I have always enjoyed spending time here! There was a toy exhibit upon our visit.
Always a fan of the history museum. I love the artwork on display currently for "horizon" and love the McNeil exhibit. You should definitely check it out before it's gone! If you miss it the amazing train display has been there as long as I've been in Tacoma. The detail and visual history is great.
We attended an event at the WA State History Museum a few weeks ago, and it was a ton of fun! The volunteers were so friendly, and we got to see the exhibits after hours as well. Plenty for adults to look at, plenty for kids to learn.
Our first visit and we were impressed. We attended the opening of the McNeil Island Penitentiary exhibit. The docents were engaging with all the visitors. They were very open, knowledgeable and communicative with the attendees. Since it was opening day, we also chatted with former island residents and even overheard a former inmate who was attending the show. The 'flow' of the exhibit was a bit awkward, and an overhead map/diagram of the island and prison would have help support the other exhibits. While there was a chronology of sorts, it wasn't very well designed. As we rounded the main corner, you were unsure whether to head right or left (it was right). Overall the exhibit was spectacular. We ran out of time to tour the remainder of the museum but will return.
Great place very friendly and exploitable. Fun for the family......
So worth while, you will not regret stopping here. Great displays and stories about the culture and history of the early settlers, many things to surprise and delight. Also don't miss the model railroad display on the 5th floor, so many great details!!!
Beautiful building with very interesting exhibits, great for the kids! Adults looking for more informational exhibits may be slightly disappointed.
Great museum! Kids always enjoy it.
I had a lot of fun and brought my wife, daughter and our friend. Lots of cool information and a really cool rotating exhibit the time we went. I did, however, not like the liberal slant to a lot of the things... But the model teain exhibit made me feel better!
It was a very nice and peaceful stroll. Loved some of the exhibits that you could interact with.
This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.
Very interesting. Enjoyed learning early geological history, some Native history and about pilgrims, unions and the military. My favorite part was the recent immigrant section. Really great.
Excellent collection of information about historical and cultural.if they provide some discounts on parking for museum visitors would be great.
Fantastic museum. Enjoyed our time .
Fun place to visit. Easy parking on site. You can visit it for free using museum pass if you are a member of KCL or SPL
Beutiful place to visit, you learn avout history
Lots of great exibits and the guy pretending to be an old west store owner was fun. Close parking is difficult since the since the meters are only good for 90 minutes, we had to repark and refill the meters 3 times. If parking was friendly I would give 5 stars.
I had never been here in the five years I've lived in Tacoma. Wow! I was missing out and didn't know it. First of all, I will say that I'm a disabled woman (bad back problems), living in low-income H.U.D. housing. This is important because as a disabled person who receives E.B.T. (food stamps), I was able to buy a ticket to the museum AND get two other friends in for $2.00! Yes, you read that correctly! My friends are both able-bodied and employed but the three of us together were, for this day, anyway, considered a family. And, my two friends ARE, for all intents and purposes my family. How cool is that? We were visiting the museum for a Washington state local authors and artists Book Fair. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy myself but I really had fun and met many Olympia and Seattle artists, producing their own graphic novels and 'zines. One of the friends I was with is a very talented illustrator in his own right and many of the artists and writers at the book fair were friends with him. I got to meet them and see their work. I even bought a few inexpensive zines. I'm kicking myself for missing out on a free workshop for creating an eight-panel zine from one regular piece of white paper. That was the workshop I really needed! LOL. Oh, well, luckily western Washington has many such workshops happening all year. We were there for that specific event so we didn't get to really explore the museum. But we definitely want to! In fact, with my EBT card, I can explore the museum now and not have to worry about the $14 admission. There are so many interesting and thought provoking exhibits that one day is not enough to completely experience all that the Washington State Historical Museum has to offer. Along with the Tacoma Art Museum, there's much to learn and enjoy about this part of the Pacific Northwest.
Very informative and interactive. A beautiful, huge building. Get free passes at your local library!
Always a pleasure first class!
Fun place to visit for families with school age kids and it worked well for me and my 3 and 6 year old. Lots to see and learn. Being newer to the area it's a worthwhile place to visit just so you can learn more about the people that first called this place home, native and non-native, that eventually brought most of us.
Wasn't impressed by this museum for an area that has tons of history I expected to see more. There also didn't seem to be many artifacts.
Love taking my students here! The exhibits change from year to year, but the core historical exhibits about our state remain. My students love the interaction that they get to have, and enjoy seeing the things that we've been learning about all year!
Hidden gem in Tacoma. Has alot to offer, includes a kids hands on area which is fun. Got to learn alot of facts about WA
Always Interesting History things about our State. The Permanent Model Train Display is Amazing.
Really enjoyed our visit here. They've done a great job on the displays, making them interesting and informative.
I loved this because I went to prom there
You have to stop by! It's right next to Tacoma's other museums and it was a great exposure to local history. The exhibits were well kept and interesting and there was plenty to see. Just make sure to bring a jacket because I was freezing inside in shorts and a t-shirt (but we came in July, why would I have dressed to walk around in a refrigerator?)
This was really interesting. The history of the geography of different regions of Washington state was interesting and well presented. This museum really came to life for me with the presentation of the history of different industries in Washington state. The most interesting was the history of coal mining. I did not know much about this and it was very illuminating. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum.
Would rate 5 stars if they had a functional gift shop
It's good, not great. Seems dark in the building, I found some of the displays a little odd.
I love that field trips come to learn here but when I came I was warned about the field trips and what time the kids would leave after my ticket purchase. Which feels to me that the employees are aware it's disruptive enough I could be impacted but chose to take my money first so that they didn't lose a sale. Still an amazing museum, just a frustrating start.
This place is amazing!!! I would definitely recommend for a family weekend trip. Awesome exhibits and hands on learning.
Diverse, colorful and informative. I read beforehand that the average visit takes two hours. And in fact, it took us two hours to see everything.
Great location and very modern. Great exhibitions.
A mix of rotating exhibits along with permanent ones. rich with Washington State History. great for all ages. when done with the museum, be sure to walk along Pacific Avenue and support local retail stores.
We always enjoy our visits and the kids learn something new each time about Washington as we do a few exhibits on the main floor each time before visiting the rotating/temporary exhibits. Exhibits are beautiful and more interactive ones are being added. Definitely more enjoyable for the 8 and older crowd. Toddlers will definitely enjoy the annual Model Train Exhibit. 4/5 vs. 5/5 as the bathroom sinks don't work on a consistent basis. Seems like something that should be working..
We had a great time. Lots of history to learn!
Clean, gnat free, excellent exhibits and great volunteers!
Very nicely preserved about Washington history from ancient times.
This is truly an amazing place! One of the must see things is the Washington Railroads Exhibit
The great thing about this place is that there's always a good variety so my kids and I each have something interesting to enjoy at every visit.
Ancients time part is so amazing. You can see weapons made from dragon glasses.
We take our kids here a few times a year. The museum recently updated a large section on the first floor. Most of the exhibits are hands on and are interactive for younger kids. Our kids were engaged and curious about most of the displays. We did a treasure hunt during our visit. If you get a chance, check out the model train set upstairs it's really impressive. There is parking located right off Pacific Ave so it's a short walk to the entrance.
Went on a school field trip. Enjoyed this trip. Took 1 point off because some of the sound features such as during the industrial age were difficult to hear and because I didn't understand how to go in order by time. I especially loved the exhibit where there were personal experiences with the shoes. I did cry. If this helped you, please consider hitting the thumbs up button.
I took our youth group for the day to check out this museum. It never disappoints! I've been here over a dozen times over the last three years and I really enjoy this place. The architecture is beautiful, the staff are brilliant, and it's always so clean! On exhibit now, February 2018, are toys from the past. The kids enjoyed playing with the "old" faves.
I loved learning more about the place I grew up
Rad paintings and a cool prop set cartoon-realistic couch and other things in the Simpson's exhibition. Lots of fun.
Great movie about the Columbia River ...
Entry fee is a bit steep. $14 for one adult. This is more a history museum. I feel that history should not be this expensive. But, is worth it. The museum is very well maintained. A good amount of history from the history of this place and the people who inhabited it. Got to see some remains of pre historic animals who had roamed this place in the past. A lot of history is told with respect to the indians who used to live here. The dress that they wore, their language, their livelihood. Good to know that some of them are still alive. Three first floor is good with lots of information. The third floor was not impressive. Wonder why a history museum has details of people who lived in prisons and the crimes they committed. This is not something to be proud about and to be shown to kids. They should not be made famous.
Museum was great but needed a little better upkeep.
It was so fantastic to go to the History Museum. They provided a plethora of information that was geared not only towards adults teens adolescence but as well as toddlers. Many of the exhibits were Hands-On which meant that kids could touch-and-feel items that they would normally not be able to do in another Museum. It was not just history but also the evolution of life itself in the state.
Good varied displays tells our states history.
We absolutely love this place!! So much to do, see, and experience. We've been three times and still have not seen it all. Another bonus to this area issue Tacoma, Union Station, Chihuly bridge over to Museum of Glass and Dock Street Marina to Commencement Bay.
Great place to check out. Really nice on a warm day
Very nicely set up. Kept the kids interest. We learned a lot. Always something different every time we come.
Amazing place! Any age can learn something! Highly recommend, especially if you or your child are interested in Washington State History!
TIP: At the Washington State History Museum you need at least 3-5 hours to see all exhibits without rushing. #localguides #museums
Fabulous LBD event & exhibit.
Amazing place to visit and revist and again! So much to learn about and see!! Awesome homecoming activity...
Took the whole family to see the train display. The kids loved it and the grown-ups learned stuff too! Pay parking near building. Expect to get thru the museum in about 2.5 hrs.
We spent several hours at the museum which is not nearly enough! Plenty of great space. My favorite displays were the early industries and the model railroad. We will becoming back ready to absorb more!
Lots of model trains during model train festival. Well worth the tickets.
Came and the McNeil Island exhibit was happening. Was interesting to see about that. All the photos of where the prison is now. Then the rest of the museum was fun. Great to learn little tid bits about Washington.
it was really interesting to learn about washington state history. they had a lot of personal artifacts from families, and walk through exhibits like wagons from the Oregon trail. there was also an extremely impressive diorama of union station and around tacoma.
Very well done...
Lots of history and cold soda down stairs
Loved this place.Good amount of information on Washington.come early so that you can cover other 2 museum in tocoma.
CA Baydestrian Review: I love love love this museum! I visited this museum by myself and learned so much! I hadn't realized that Washington's history was so similar to CA's! I love the interactiveness of the museum and the fact that no space is wasted! The gift shop was AMAZING and had a good range of affordable to expensive gifts. The employees were so sweet and the customers I encountered there were so courteous. I'd love to come again with family in the future.
Its nice to see the history of are state and here is a little tip, you can go to the Tacoma public library to get a pass to get into the museum for free. 2 adults and 2 children.
Museum is dense with exhibits and completely engrossing. Lots of hands on exhibits too.
Wow...great place for model train enthusiasts, young and old. Great place to go to especially on foul weather days.
Excellent regional museum. We go most years around the holidays to see the model railroad exhibits. Always something new to see and learn.
Very interesting exhibits
Very beautiful and educational. The kind employees made it a very welcoming museum.
A good place to get in the know about our state and see how far we have come!
Lots of interesting stuff to learn.
Must see for all ages. The museum focus on the European American development of the state
My kids love it when we go here
We took our family here to see and learn about Washington State history, we had a great time! The gentlemen at the counter is very friendly and I would highly recommend this place for everyone our childrens ages are 5,6,9, and 11. I loved in different areas that there was a lot of hand touching for our kids, they really enjoyed themselves. ☺
Lovely special exhibit on the LBD. Enjoyed the various displays showing the state history- made it interesting
We went here with for a class field trip I got to take a long oh my goodness one of my favorite field trips this year the guide's were informative and entertaining there was something for everyone we had a blast there were restrooms enough for the whole class and a wonderful Arena for lunch dad multiple learning stations and fun activities at each one I can't wait to go back next year I'm signing up for this field trip early
There have been several excellent visiting shows over the last several years. The permanent shows are also attractive and informative. All the shows make our local history vividly come alive. There is also a lovely gift shop that we always check out.