If Tacoma’s art scene were a Crayola crayon box, it would be the Mega size with an impressive range of colors to say the least. We have museums with something for truly everyone, an exciting local arts scene, a rich history of Native American arts, and a legacy of world-famous artists. Here’s your guide to the Tacoma Arts, whether it’s smack dab in the middle of October—aka Tacoma Arts Month!—or absolutely anytime of year that you happen to be visiting.
Museums
Did you know that Tacoma has the state’s highest density of art and history museums? Guaranteed we have something for everyone—including the toddler going through a new meltdown phase and that partner you typically have to drag to museums. Here are some suggestions of where to start.
Children’s Museum of Tacoma
The Children’s Museum Experience looks different for everyone. Designed for shiny new babies all the way up to 12-year-olds, it’s very much a “choose your own experience” museum. Explore a library, art studio fully stocked with supplies, five playscapes inspired by nature, and much more. Visitors are invited to pay what they will, so no family is ever turned away.
LeMay - America’s Car Museum
What comprises art is subjective. For some, nothing brings a profound tear to the eye like an immaculately maintained motor vehicle. LeMay hosts over 300 vintage cars on the property, as well as rotating exhibits and community events such as drive-in movies in the summer.
Museum of Glass
Perhaps the brightest and most breakable feather in Tacoma’s art cap is glass. Our town is home to multiple glassblowing studios and artists, strengthened of course by the legacy of Tacoma-born Dale Chihuly. Go ahead and explore the technicolor exhibits, and if you’re inspired, learn glassblowing yourself through one of the many workshops offered through the museum.
Tacoma Art Museum
In addition to the excellent rotating exhibits, the Tacoma Art Museum also carries a permanent collection of Contemporary Native Art, choosing to showcase works that were contributed with consent by Native artists and leaving historic art to be showcased by tribal museums and cultural centers. The TAM also offers free admission every Thursday from 5:00-8:00 P.M.
Learn More
Washington State History Museum
Some people prefer to read nonfiction for pleasure, and happily stream documentaries for their weekend viewing. These folks might also prefer to consume their art through a “real,” historic lens—and the Washington State History Museum has got them covered. The photographs, portraits, and artifacts of local history are art in themselves, yet even better: it’s art with a story.
Public Art
Why pay to see art behind closed doors when you can see some for free while exploring Tacoma? The city is full of art in many mediums, and we highly recommend visiting this map of Tacoma-Pierce County Public Art so you can see what’s near you and learn the story behind it. Here are some of our favorites.
Little Makers in Dune Peninsula
Knowing that Dune author Frank Herbert was born in Tacoma in 1920, it’s hardly a surprise that the homeworld of the Atreides family was a lush, green place surrounded by water. Dune Peninsula Park was named for Herbert’s novel, and a little exploring will review four bronze statues depicting immature Sand Worms on the planet Arrakis.
Ghost Log on Ruston Way Waterfront
Commemorating the original mill site as well as Tacoma’s historic industry, the Ghost Log is a sight to behold, especially after dusk when it’s lit with an eerie golden light over the blue-black water.
Family of the Thunderbird in Point Defiance Park
These painted panels in Point Defiance Park depict thunderbird creating the Puyallup people. In the wings of thunderbird are two faces, representing ancestors.
E.T. Pacific Walrus at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Bring your kids to visit this bronze sculpture depicting E.T., a beloved Pacific walrus created in collaboration with his handler of many years to accurately capture his likeness.
Visit Metro Parks Tacoma’s list of public art here, or view the comprehensive map of Tacoma-Pierce County public art here.
Art Galleries
Were we to be exhaustive, art galleries in Tacoma would warrant its own blog post. Don't worry, we’ll keep it brief! Here are some popular places to start.
Proctor Art Gallery
Located in the neighborhood of the same name, the Proctor Art Gallery is a stronghold of excellent local artists across multiple mediums.
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
You already know Tacoma is a center for glass art. Husband-and-wife team Mark and Jeannine provide a space for visitors to watch glassblowing in action, and of course, a shop to bring a glass treasure home with you. They also facilitate the popular Glass Pumpkin Patches, which tour around the state.
Tacoma Metal Arts Center
Professional Goldsmith Amy Reeves is an artist who has been making jewelry since the early 90s, which, despite our protestations, we have to admit was awhile ago. She offers classes and practice days where local and aspiring artists can come to practice their craft. Visitors are welcome to stop by Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00-4:00 P.M. to witness the fun and shop.
Throwing Mud Gallery
Head to Old Town for the ultimate pottery spot! Beginners and experienced artists can take classes to “throw mud” themselves, paint a premade piece of pottery, or simply drop in to peruse the gallery of over 100 local and regional pottery artists.
Check out this Tacoma Art Gallery Guide to get a full appreciation of the many galleries in town.
Arthouse Theatres
Cinephiles rejoice! Tacoma is home to two wonderfully distinct arthouse theatres absolutely worth visiting. If only all art was commonly consumed with popcorn.
The Grand Cinema
You can tell how beloved the Grand Cinema is almost immediately. The staff and volunteers are friendly, and they’re responsible for the zany video that plays before all movies promoting upcoming events, films, and the venue in general. The Grand Cinema is also home to the annual Tacoma Film Festival (also coming up this October!), which shows independent films from around the globe. Come see new arthouse releases, or watch the calendar for old Hollywood classics and everything in between.
Blue Mouse Theatre
The Blue Mouse is the oldest continually-operating theater in Washington State! To say someone loves movies means a wide range of things, yet the Blue Mouse somehow caters to almost everyone between their monthly showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Anime nights, campy horror films every Friday, and of course, first-run films.
Tacoma’s Legacy of Notable Artists, Musicians, and Writers
These artists all got their start in Tacoma, but countless others have been influenced and inspired by the City of Destiny while passing through. Will Tacoma become your muse?
The Bing Crosby House, where Bing Crosby was born, located on J. Street
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Frank Herbert, author of Dune
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Bing Crosby, yes, the man behind the film and song “White Christmas”
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The Sonics, an early garage rock band that went on to inspire everyone from The White Stripes to Nirvana
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The Ventures, who did instrumental rock decades before Explosions in the Sky were even born, and helped popularize the electric guitar
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Dale Chihuly, glass artist who created pieces so dynamic and interesting that it became a staple of the Pacific Northwest
October (next month) is Tacoma Arts Month
As mentioned, every October is Tacoma Arts Month. According to the Tacoma Art Museum, “there is something for everyone to enjoy: music, dance and theater performances; hands-on experiences; visual art exhibits; literary readings; lectures; workshops; film screenings and cultural events.” Come enjoy Pacific Northwest art, and maybe get inspired to create your own!
The Kaleidoscope Opening Party kicks off Tacoma Arts Month on October 2, and the events heat up from there.
Don't forget to tag @visittacomapiercecounty in your Tacoma Arts Month adventures!
