February is the Best Month to Discover Seattle’s Museums—Here’s Why

Let's face it: Without holidays on the horizon, the stretch between January and Washington's next glimmer of sunshine can feel a little bland. And while it's easy to fall into the habit of simply waiting out the drizzle, counting down the minutes till better weather can make days drag out even more. Instead of pining for sunlight, I recommend finding activities that will get you out and about right now— whether that's inside or outside. Should you need a nudge out the door, there's no better time than February, Seattle's Museum Month! Get half-off admission to over 20 organizations simply by staying in a participating hotel.

Whether you're visiting or seeking an excuse to play hometown tourist, this is your sign to stop waiting for sun to save the day. Fun can happen now— not just when you can finally store your raincoat for the season!

Seattle's Museum Month is back for its 10th year—an entire decade of connecting Washingtonians to the remarkable cultural gems located right in their backyard. The process is simple: pick from one of the city's 71 participating hotels and request your Seattle Museum Month packet at the front desk. Whether you're splurging on a luxurious weekend at the venerable Fairmont Olympic Hotel or immersing yourself in the action of the city's newly renovated waterfront at the Inn at the Market, there's an accommodation available for every budget and style.

If getting your half-price pass is easy-peasy, picking where you'll go isn't quite as straightforward. Though there are many reasons to love Seattle, one of my favorite things about the city is its vibrant and varied history. From propelling new music genres into popular culture to fueling the 19th century's gold fever, Seattle played an outsized role in shaping our world as we know it today. It's no wonder, then, why so many cultural institutions and museums are dedicated to illuminating aspects of this past. Consider what sparks your curiosity when planning your itinerary.

This year, I plan on visiting MOHAI, the Museum of History and Industry perched on Lake Union's shore. Since 1911, this incredible organization has recorded the story of Washington's growing prosperity, focusing on the Puget Sound area. The result is an astounding collection of over six million artifacts, documents, and photographs, all rotated through the museum proper. Also high on my list is The Museum of Flight, which holds one of the country's most extensive air and space collections.

With the diverse list of participating organizations, however, you could easily orient your visit toward countless other interests. Lovers of art should make time for the Seattle Art Museum, where current exhibit highlights include sculptures from the great 18th-century Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo and objects from the Shirley Family Calder Collection. Seattle Center's Museum of Pop Culture is a no-brainer, must-visit. Currently, they're showing a collection inspired by fantasy, displaying iconic creations from the genre, including the original The Wizard of Oz film's Cowardly Lion costume and weaponry from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There's also an exhibit on horror movies that I can't wait to jump-scare my way through.

Families will find endless ways to optimize their Museum Month passes. The Seattle Children's Museum is just the start of February's kid-friendly entries. You can also explore the Seattle Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo— two spots I adored as a kid and still can't get enough of today.

You don't have to wait for sunshine to brighten your February— just take part in Seattle's Museum Month. With half-off admissions at numerous local cultural institutions, this decade-long tradition is the perfect excuse to book a stay at a participating hotel and commit to a weekend of curiosity and exploration.