Tacoma’s Museum Shangri-La

We Hume brothers grew up in Tacoma. It was very a different place in the 1970s and 80s, especially downtown. That was a bleak period for our downtown actually.  Blame the mall! A lot of downtown shops relocated to the Tacoma Mall when it opened in 1965. Downtown felt a little sad and abandoned. That story happened all over the US – not just in Tacoma. Since then a lot of investment has gone back into our downtown. I’d like to specifically talk about museums.  Within a pretty tight geographic space there are now a number of world-class museums. 

Did you know that joining a museum can actually provide reciprocal privileges at many museums in the US and Canada and beyond.  ROAM (Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums) includes three amazing museums within that very tight geographic space I mentioned above; the Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass and LeMay: America’s Car Museum! 

My wife and I have discovered that a rainy winter day in Tacoma is a great opportunity to use the ROAM privileges and check out a museum! 

Museum of Glass

Prepare to be mesmerized by the iconic 90-foot silver cone that dominates Tacoma’s skyline. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a living, breathing glass art experience. Watch master glassblowers create stunning pieces in the Hot Shop Amphitheater, and explore exhibitions that showcase contemporary glass art from around the world. The live glassblowing demonstrations are like magic happening right before your eyes!  I find it odd how long I can sit in that warm space just observing creative productivity in action. It’s mesmerizing! 

Tacoma Art Museum

This museum houses over 5,000 works focusing on Northwest artists, with a spectacular Chihuly glass collection. The Haub Family Galleries feature western American art spanning over 200 years, including landscapes that tell the stories of 75 indigenous tribes. Currently, there is a thought-provoking exhibit by Karen Hackenberg called Sea Change.  She found all manner of beach debris near Port Townsend and turned it into works of art. There is also a great collection of Nirvana photography by Charles Peterson… to name a few. 

LeMay – America’s Car Museum

Speaking of Nirvana – if you are a classic car buff, you’ll be in your element here! Celebrating America’s love affair with automobiles, this museum explores how cars have shaped our society. It’s not just a collection of shiny vehicles – it’s a journey through automotive history.

Washington State History Museum

Dive deep into the stories that shaped Washington state. From Native American heritage to modern-day narratives, this museum brings the state’s rich history to life in fascinating exhibits that will make you see the Pacific Northwest in a whole new light.

Foss Waterway Seaport

Maritime history fans will enjoy this restored shipping warehouse. Explore Tacoma’s maritime heritage and learn about the region’s seafaring past in an immersive historical experience.

Children’s Museum of Tacoma

Don’t let the name fool you – this is fun for all ages! With hands-on exhibits and an art studio, it’s a playful exploration of creativity that will bring out the kid in everyone.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Tacoma’s Museum District is a worthy place to spend time! Six world-class museums, all within a few city blocks. 

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