Did you know that if you have a Seattle library card, you can get into several Seattle museums and attractions for free? The Seattle Public Library Museum Pass program is back and running now after being on hiatus for several months. This is a great way to visit Seattle museums on a budget, as well as the aquarium and the zoo!
Read on for all the details!
The Seattle Public Library Museum Pass allows you to visit 13 museums and attractions for free. There’s a little more involved than simply showing your library card, however: you have to make a reservation in advance. You can reserve one visit every 30 days.
New passes become available online every day after noon. The bright side of the program’s hiatus is that the process of making an online reservation has been improved, with the new Museum Pass reservation platform being much easier to use. In the past, slots were filled quickly so be prepared to act fast to get yours. You’ll need to have your library card information handy.
Also be sure to see our guide to free museum admission in Seattle; some museums have daily free admission while others participate in Free First Thursday every month.
Here are the Seattle museums that participate in the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass:
1. Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture
The Burke Museum is a natural history museum located on the University of Washington campus. This pass admits up to two people. Children three and under always have free admission.
2. Henry Art Gallery
Henry Art Gallery, a contemporary art museum on the University of Washington campus, is included in the library’s Museum Pass list. However, take note that they just announced free admission for all starting on May 30, 2025 so you don’t have to use the Museum Pass for a free visit here!
3. Museum of Flight
Museum of Flight in Tukwila (just south of Seattle) is a great place to learn about aviation and space. This pass admits two adults and two children ages 5 to 17. Children age four and under always have free admission.
4. Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Located in South Lake Union, MOHAI is a great museum for learning about Seattle and Pacific Northwest history. This pass admits up to two people. Ages 14 and under always have free admission.
5. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
MoPOP is Seattle’s pop culture museum, with exhibits on everything from sci-fi movies to video games. This pass admits up to two adults and two children ages 5 to 17. Children age four and under always have free admission.
6. National Nordic Museum
National Nordic Museum in Ballard is all about the history and culture of all five Nordic countries. Don’t miss the giant Northwest Troll currently standing guard outside! This pass admits up to two people for free. Children age four and under always have free admission.
7. Northwest African American Museum
Northwest African American Museum in Seattle’s Central District explores the Black experience and history in the PNW and nationwide. This pass admits up to two adults. Children age three and under have free admission.
8. Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum (SAM) in downtown Seattle is currently hosting an impressive Ai Weiwei exhibition through September 7. This pass admits up to two people. Children 14 and under always enter for free.
9. Seattle Children’s Museum
Seattle Children’s Museum is a great place for kids of all ages to run around, explore, and learn with hands-on activities. This pass admits up to two people for free. Infants under the age of one are admitted for free.
10. Wing Luke Museum
Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District focuses on the experiences of Asian Pacific Americans. This pass admits up to two people for free. Children age four and under always have free admission.
And here are the non-museum attractions that you can visit with Museum Pass:
11. Center for Wooden Boats
The Center for Wooden Boats showcases the maritime history of the area and has several free programs. The library’s pass will permit one adult and up to three other people to use one of the museum’s historic row boats on Lake Union for one hour for free.
12. Seattle Aquarium
When you visit the Seattle Aquarium on the waterfront, don’t miss the new addition in a separate building. This pass admits up to four people. Children age three and under always enter for free.
13. Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is located in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge Neighborhood, right next to a rose garden that is always free to visit. This pass admits up to four people. Children age two and under always enter for free.
To make a reservation with Museum Pass, visit the Seattle Public Library website.