free admission Archives

See Imogen Cunningham: A Retrospective for Free!

Lily Hansen on Nov 24 2021

December 2 is Free First Thursday at Seattle Art Museum and that means free entry into the newly opened Imogen Cunningham: A Retrospective. Get tickets to this free day while you can to attend a free community celebration in the galleries—our first in-person community celebration since reopening!

Get excited for your visit by watching this quick overview about the exhibition with Carrie Dedon, SAM’s Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Hosted on November 8 as a talk for SAM Members, we’re excited to share this recording of the overview with everyone and offer some context on the important contributions of Imogen Cunningham to photography as an art form over the course of her seven-decade career.

And remember, every First Thursday is free at Seattle Art Museum. Find out more about discounted admission opportunities!

– Lily Hansen, SAM Marketing Content Creator

Image: “Dancer, Mills College,” 1929, Imogen Cunningham, American, 1883–1976, gelatin silver print, 8 9/16 × 7 3/8 in., The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2006.25.6, © 2021 The Imogen Cunningham Trust.

Muse/News: Kids are Free, a Memorial Chorus, and Monet the Influencer

Rachel Eggers on Jun 14 2021

SAM News

Red Tricycle has families and caregivers covered with this list of “Top 10 Free (or Cheap) Things to Do This Summer,” including a reminder that children 14 and under always get in free at the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Get in the mood for SAM’s summer exhibition, Monet at Étretat, with this cool teaser video that takes you to the village’s epic cliffs.

They also recommend the free-to-all Olympic Sculpture Park, as does Curiocity with their list of “13 of the absolute best beaches you can find in and around Seattle.”

Local News

This Saturday is Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the US. The Northwest African American Museum is hosting nine days of events, kicking off on June 15. Seattle Met’s Stefan Milne has a great overview of their plans and other celebrations happening around the city.

Paul Constant for Crosscut on We Hereby Refuse, a new nonfiction comic by local writers and artists exploring Japanese American resistance to internment.

The Seattle Times on Capitol Hill’s AIDS Memorial Pathway (AMP), which will be dedicated on June 26 as one of the few memorials honoring those lost to and impacted by the AIDS epidemic. Take your time with the feature story by Crystal Paul and photos & video by Erika Schultz and Ramon Dompor.

“…The AMP aims to tell the common chorus that ties the stories together — the loved ones lost, the community banding together to help and protest, the clubs where they danced their troubles away, the friends who became family.”

Inter/National News

For the first time, the family of Jean-Michel Basquiat will organize an exhibition of the late artist’s works, including rarely seen examples from their private collection, reports Artnet’s Sarah Cascone.

“Storied New York arts nonprofit the Kitchen has appointed Legacy Russell executive director and chief curator,” reports Artforum.

For Hyperallergic, Chandra Steele tests out a theory: “Monet is the granddaddy of all Insta girls.”

“On that holiday on the Normandy coast, the writer Guy de Maupassant observed Monet chasing shadows and sun, lying in wait until they shifted to suit his fancy, and said, ‘In truth, he was no longer a painter, but a hunter.’ Anyone who’s stood in line for six hours to get that gram in the Rain Room can relate.”

And Finally

Explore the work of the 105th class of Pulitzer Prize winners.

– Rachel Eggers, Associate Director of Public Relations

Photo: Jueqian Fang

SAM Connects Asian Art to Seattle for Free!

Chelsea Werner-Jatzke on Jan 22 2020

The Seattle Asian Art Museum reopens February 8 and we want to be sure you know all the free and discounted ways that you can visit the reimagined and reinstalled museum!

Even though the Housewarming: Free Reopening Weekend is sold out and we are not accepting walkups on February 8 or 9, there are many other opportunities to visit for free. Today’s Seattle Asian Art Museum breaks boundaries to offer a thematic, rather than geographic or chronological, exploration of art from the world’s largest continent. The restoration of the historic Art Deco building, improvements to critical systems, expanded gallery and education spaces, and a new park lobby that connects the museum to the surrounding Volunteer Park are just some of the ways the Asian Art Museum has been transformed and preserved as a cultural and community resource for future generations.

An important part of the work that took place while the Asian Art museum was closed for renovation and expansion isn’t something you will notice about the architecture or art. The City of Seattle financially supported the preservation and improvements of SAM’s city-owned Art Deco home and in return, we made a commitment to offer more free ways for members of the community to visit the Asian Art Museum!

All exhibitions are suggested admission at the Asian Art Museum when purchasing tickets onsite. You can pay what you want. See Boundless: Stories of Asian Art and Be/longing: Contemporary Asian Art on view when the museum reopens!
Many programs such as lectures, performances, and tours at the museum are free and include free entry to the galleries. Check out our Free First Saturdays series for kids!
SAM provides discounted rates for students, teens, seniors, and military with ID.
- Seniors (65+) and military can visit for $12.99
- Students and teens age 15–18 can get tickets for $9.99
Children (14 & under) are always free.
SAM members are free. Join today and RSVP to see the museum before it opens to the public during the Members Open House on February 5 and 6.
First Saturdays and the Second Thursdays of every month are free to all.
The First Friday of every month the Asian Art Museum is free for seniors.
Bring a group of 10 or more and get discounted tickets. Find out more about group visits!
Educators can visit for free anytime with ID. Mark your calendars for a special Educator Open House at the Asian Art Museum on February 27!
Did you know that we now offer free school tours for all public schools at all SAM locations? We also offer bus subsidies for title 1 schools. School tours at the Asian Art Museum start march 1—find out more!

Photo: Jueqian Fang

SAM Connects Free Days to Flesh & Blood

Chelsea Werner-Jatzke on Oct 3 2019

Experience the fierce beauty of High Renaissance and Baroque art at the free Community Opening for Flesh and Blood: Italian Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum on October 17. From 5–9 pm, watch these artworks come alive as Palace Theatre & Art Bar takes the stage for a series of eclectic performances reflecting the darkness, drama, and human emotion of Flesh and Blood. Make a masterpiece of your own as you draw from live models during an art activity led by artist Barry Johnson. Seattle Opera singer will be in the galleries expressing love, devotion, and tragic suffering with pop-up performances. Living representations of the artworks will be embodied by dancers Mikhail Calliste and Michele Dooley. Flesh and Blood presents, as they say in Italy, il meglio del meglio—the best of the best.

Make sure to RSVP, but if you can’t make it to the opening, don’t worry! There are many other ways for you to visit SAM for free or at a discount during Flesh and Blood!

Free community passes may be available for community organizations or colleges and universities.
Many of our programs include free admission to our special exhibitions on the day of the event. Keep an eye on exhibition-related events.
First Thursdays mean discounts to Flesh and Blood!
Adult: $9.99
Seniors 65+, Military (w/ID): $7.99
Students (w/ID): $4.99
Ages 19 & younger: Free
First Friday: Admission to Flesh and Blood is $7.99 for anyone 65 years and older.
As part of Museums for All, SAM offers free admission to low-income families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits when you show your EBT card.
King County and Seattle Public Libraries offer free passes to special exhibitions.
City of Seattle’s Gold and FLASH card program. If you have a Gold or FLASH card, your caretaker gets free admission.
Teen Tix pass program makes it possible for teens to visit for just $5!
Bank of America’s Museums on Us: On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America cardholders receive free admission at SAM.
Blue Star Museums: free admission to military personnel and their families. Just show your military ID. The military ID holder plus up to five immediate family members (spouse or child of ID holder) are allowed in for free per visit (special exhibition surcharge may apply).
UW Art Students get free admission with the sticker on their student ID

SAM is for everyone and we’re here to make sure anyone can see the art they love! Don’t forget, entry to SAM’s permanent collections is always suggested admission! You can experience our global collection year-round and pay what you want.

Images: The Ecstasy of Saint Cecilia, 1645, Bernardo Cavallino, Italian, 1616–1656, oil on canvas, 24 × 18 7/8 in., Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte. The Virgin of the Souls with Saints Clare and Francis, 1622–23, Battistello Caracciolo, Italian, 1578–1635, oil on canvas, 114 3/16 × 80 11/16 in., Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.

SAM Connects Free Days to Victorian Radicals

Chelsea Werner-Jatzke on Jun 11 2019

The search for beauty in our modern age will lead you to the free Community Opening Celebration for Victorian Radicals: From the Pre-Raphaelites to the Arts & Crafts Movement on June 13. From 5–9 pm see the exhibition for free, take part in art-making activities, and catch performances throughout the museum. Can’t make it to the opening? We have many other ways for you to visit SAM for free or at a discount during Victorian Radicals!

Free community passes may be available for community organizations or colleges and universities.
Many of our programs include free admission to our special exhibitions on the day of the event. Keep an eye on exhibition-related events.
First Thursdays
Adult: $9.99
Seniors 65+, Military (w/ID): $7.99
Students (w/ID): $4.99
Ages 19 & younger: Free
First Friday: Admission to the special exhibition is $7.99 for anyone 65 years and older.
As a part of Museums for All, SAM offers free admission to low-income families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits when you show your EBT card.
King County and Seattle Public Libraries offer free passes to special exhibitions.
City of Seattle’s Gold and FLASH card program. If you have a Gold or FLASH card, your caretaker gets free admission.
Teen Tix
Bank of America’s Museums on Us: On the first full weekend of every month, Bank of America cardholders receive free admission at SAM.
Blue Star Museums: free admission to military personnel and their families. Just show your military ID. The military ID holder plus up to five immediate family members (spouse or child of ID holder) are allowed in for free per visit (special exhibition surcharge may apply).
UW Art Students get free admission with sticker on their student ID

Basically, you have no reason not to visit! And remember, entry to SAM’s permanent collections is always suggested admission! You can come experience our global collection year-round and pay what you want.

Images: Sir Walter Scott’s Monument Clock, ca. 1850, William Frederick Evans, British, active 1830–75, gilded and silvered brass, blued steel, enamel, and marble, 24 5/8 × 16 3/8 × 12 5/8 in., Lent by Birmingham Museums Trust on behalf of Birmingham City Council, Presented by Miss P. Evans, 1959S1057.1, © Birmingham Museums Trust, Courtesy American Federation of Arts. Day dress, ca. 1865, British, green and black striped silk with black ribbon, braid and cord trim (machine- and hand-stitched), 52 3/8 × 68 7/8 in., Lent by Birmingham Museums Trust on behalf of Birmingham City Council, Presented by Mrs. Bridget Doreen Bruce, 1963M32, © Birmingham Museums Trust, Courtesy American Federation of Arts

GO! Gauguin Deals for Performing Arts

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 7 2012

It’s day three of GO! Gauguin Week and we’re highlighting deals that allow you continue exploring your inner artist through music and theatre. Act soon to take advantage of these deals which provide an opportunity to explore French culture and modern art with specific performances in March and April.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to print your coupon, available here, in order to take advantage of these awesome deals. At noon today on Facebook and Twitter, we’ll be releasing a clue for the location of the hidden pair of tickets for Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. The first person to reach the secret location and say, “Go Gauguin!” receives these tickets.

Seattle Symphony
200 University Street

Sights and sounds make for a profound experience and when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon at the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office you will receive 10% off the all French program Morlot Conducts Debussy & Ravel on March 15 and 16 at Benaroya Hall. Hurry in to buy your tickets for next week’s concert as the offer is good through March 16, 2012. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Taproot Theatre Company
204 N. 85^th Street

Receive 20% off tickets to Taproot Theatre’s Freud’s Last Session running from March 23 through April 21, 2012. In Freud’s Last Session C.S. Lewis and Freud meet for a stimulating exchange about life, love, and God. For tickets and more information visit their website. To receive the discount use IHEARTSAM online or call the box office at 206.781.9707 and present your coupon at Will Call. This offer is not valid with other offers or previously purchased tickets.

"Red" at the Seattle Repertory Theatre

Seattle Repertory Theatre
115 Mercer Street

Enjoy $5 off tickets to Red, playing at the Seattle Repertory Theatre until March 24, 2012. Winner of six Tony Awards, this sizzling 90-minute drama about famed abstract expressionist Mark Rothko is one of the most intellectually riveting shows to hit Broadway last season. The discount is available for any performance but not valid for D level seating. Use SAM when purchasing your tickets online to receive the offer and don’t forget to visit a real Rothko at SAM in the Modern and Contemporary Galleries when visiting Gauguin & Polynesia.

Return tomorrow for information regarding the GO! Gauguin partner restaurants and learn about the fabulous food deals from local restaurants!

-Sarah Lippai, Public Relations Intern

GO! Gauguin Travel and Tourism Deals

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 6 2012

Whether you live near or far from Seattle, consider taking an urban vacation and join the city in celebrating Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise while taking advantage of great deals from our GO! Gauguin travel and tourism partners. Just print your GO! Gauguin coupon.

SAM is hiding two Gauguin & Polynesia tickets at one of these partner locations. At noon today on Facebook and Twitter, we will reveal a clue for the location of this hidden pair of tickets. The first person to reach the location and say, “Go Gauguin!” wins the tickets.

Amtrak
Take advantage of great Amtrak savings on your way to see Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. For those bound for Seattle, save 15% off your coach fare on Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight or Empire Builder routes. This special discount offer is valid from any station stop along the way between Los Angeles and Vancouver BC, Canada to Seattle. Along the route of the Empire Builder, valid for all stations in Montana, Idaho, or Washington state.

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
SAM is proud to participate in the SCVB’s 2days in Seattle campaign where they are spreading the love about traveling to Seattle in Portland, Vancouver and San Francisco. The CVB also has two visitor information centers in Seattle to help visitors to our city plan their itineraries. One is at the Pike Place Market and the other is at the Convention Center.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Our official hotel sponsor for Gauguin & Polynesia has put together a terrific package to celebrate. Stay in style at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, located across the street from SAM, and enjoy VIP access for two to the exhibition. Perfect for art lovers, this package also includes a commemorative gift: a 400-page, full-color catalogue featuring more than 60 pieces of Gauguin’s work, including paintings, sketches and sculptures.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The Georgian Restaurant at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel features the finest of Pacific Northwest Cuisine in one of downtown Seattle’s most historical settings. Join them for dinner every Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30-10:00 pm to enjoy a $49 three-course menu inspired by fresh seasonal flavors and regional ingredients.

Hotel Ändra
The sophisticated Hotel Ändra is the perfect complement to Gauguin’s elusive paradise. Guests who GO! Gauguin save 15% on their Seattle stay. Mention the Gauguin rate while making your reservation (online using rate code GAUGUIN or by calling 877.448.8600) and present your online coupon or SAM ticket at check-in to receive the discount. This offer is valid for new reservations only and cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

Many other Gauguin & Polynesia hotel packages are also available from partners including, the Alexis Hotel, the Inn at the Market, the Mayflower Park Hotel, and the Seattle Bed and Breakfast Association.

Gauguin’s life was dominated by travel. Follow him to Seattle and experience your own paradise!

-Sarah Lippai, Public Relations Intern

Get Great Deals and Win Exhibition Tickets During GO! Gauguin Week

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 5 2012

As part of a city-wide celebration of the exhibition Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, area businesses and arts and cultural organizations have created some wonderful special offers for visitors to the exhibition.

This week, SAM will be highlighting a select group of these GO! Gauguin partners each day to reveal great deals around the city. If you haven’t already, be sure to print your coupon here.

Today we would like to recognize our retail partners participating in the GO! Gauguin program. Be sure to visit them and take advantage of these discounts!

Baby & Co.
1936 First Avenue
Present your GO! Gauguin coupon for something fabulous! Treat yourself to 10% off any single item at Baby & Co. during their celebration of Gauguin & Polynesia. Does not apply to sale items; certain restrictions apply.

Fran’s Chocolates
1325 1st Avenue
After your visit to SAM, cross the street to enjoy Fran’s Gauguin Salted Caramel Box which includes seven pieces of Fran’s award-winning gray and smoked salt caramels for $15. Savor local artisan chocolate while you support SAM, 20% of the proceeds from the sale of each box will be donated to the Seattle Art Museum. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon and receive a complimentary Fran’s award-winning dark hot chocolate beverage with any $30 purchase. Limit one per customer.

FriendShop in The Seattle Public Library
1000 Fourth Avenue
Receive a 15% discount from the FriendShop when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon or a ticket from SAM to the exhibition. The FriendShop features cards, jewelry and gifts by local artists and all proceeds benefit The Seattle Public Library. Open 7 days a week.

Macy’s
1601 Third Avenue
As a supporter of the Seattle Art Museum, Macy’s is offering you a special 10% savings! Take your GO! Gauguin coupon to the Fine Jewelry or Furniture department of the downtown Seattle Macy’s store to receive a 10% off Visitors Pass. Certain exclusions apply.

sandylew
1408 First Avenue
Just walk up a half block north of SAM and present your GO! Gauguin coupon at sandylew for 10% off storewide anytime during the amazing run of the Gauguin exhibition, February 9–April 29, 2012. Not to be combined with other special offers or discounts. Sandylew is a women’s boutique proud to be a neighbor and support of our remarkable Seattle Art Museum!

Perennial Tea Room
1910 Post Alley
Warm up with a visit to the Perennial Tea Room, located between Stuart and Virginia Street in Pike Place Market. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon or mention Gauguin & Polynesia to receive 10% off any purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Excludes tea to go.

Vetri Glass
1404 First Avenue
Founded in 1998, Vetri Glass is proud to be recognized by collectors and artists alike as an exhibitor of exciting and innovative new work in glass. The mission of Vetri is to offer innovative work of the highest caliber, at accessible prices. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon for 10% off any one purchase during the Gauguin & Polynesia exhibition at SAM. Offer cannot be combined with other specials or discounts.

White House/Black Market
Pacific Place
Just present your GO! Gauguin coupon and enjoy 10% off your entire purchase at White House/Black Market located in Pacific Place. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offers and valid only at the Pacific Place location.

As if awesome specials and discounts weren’t enough, SAM will also be hiding two Gauguin & Polynesia tickets at a partner location each day. SAM will reveal the location of the pair of hidden tickets daily at noon on Facebook and Twitter. The first person to reach the location will win the tickets.

Stay tuned for the first clue which will be released at noon today, and take advantage of all our special partner offers throughout GO! Gauguin Week and for the run of the exhibition!

-Sean C. Fraser, Public Relations Intern

Gauguin Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels

Win Tickets to the June 3 SAM Remix

Seattle Art Museum on May 31 2011

How would you describe this Nick Cave Soundsuit in 140 characters or less? Tweet your response to @iheartsam with the hashtag #SAMRemix, and you could win two tickets to the June 3 Remix and the opportunity to guest tweet for SAM at the event. The deadline for entries is 5 pm on Thursday, June 2.

Photo credit: James Prinz

SAM Thanks Those Who Serve Our Country

Seattle Art Museum on May 29 2011

SAM Downtown & the Seattle Asian Art Museum are participating with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and over 1,000 museums in the US by offering free admission to active military personnel and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We will also offer free admission to any retired or non-active military personnel members during this time.

Since both Beauty and Bounty and Reclaimed close on Sunday, September 11, we will be extending the promotion through the end of the exhibits.

Blue Star Museum free admission dates at SAM and the Seattle Asian Art Museum are Wednesday, June 1-Sunday, September 11, 2011. Just show your military ID. The military ID holder plus up to five immediate family members (spouse or child of ID holder) are allowed in for free per visit.

SAM is proud to be a Blue Star Museum and thanks the thousands of men and women across Washington state–and throughout the country and world–who protect and serve the United States.

Free Admission on International Museum Day

Seattle Art Museum on May 17 2011

On Wednesday, May 18, we will participate in International Museum Day, an incredible world-wide day of free admission to museums sponsored by the International Council of Museums. This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. From America to Oceania; including Africa, Europe and Asia; this international event has grown in popularity. In recent years, International Museum Day has experienced its highest involvement with almost 30,000 museums participating in more than 100 countries.

Admission will be free all day Wednesday at the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Both museums will be open from 10 am – 5pm. This is a great opportunity to see Nick Cave: Meet Me at the Center of the Earth or Modern Elegance: The Art of Meiji Japan.

Click here for more visitor information, including directions and parking details.

Free Admission and Activities at SAM Downtown and Seattle Asian Art Museum

Seattle Art Museum on May 6 2011

The Seattle Art Museum is a new partner of Museums On Us, Bank of America’s nationwide program that provides greater access to museums, zoos, science centers and other cultural institutions. SAM is one of 153 participants who offer free admission to Bank of America cardholders on the first full weekend of every month. Get free admission to SAM Downtown May 7 and May 8 just by presenting your Bank of America debit or credit card.

Speaking of banks, Wells Fargo is presenting Free First Saturday at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Bring your family and try your hand at making drawings with bamboo and ink 11 am-2 pm. There will also be a free showing of the Japanese animated film “Pom Poko” at 1:30 pm.

On Sunday, bring your mom, grandma, nana, bubbe, abuela, stepmom, mother-in-law, baby’s mama, etc. to SAM and the Seattle Asian Art Museum on Sunday. Moms get in free!

For more details, visit our calendar or Events on our Facebook page.