Don’t miss one of Tacoma’s top cultural attractions, which is among the most prestigious museums in the Northwest region.
The Tacoma Art Museum showcases artwork from around the world dating from the 18th century to the present, with a focus on Northwest artists. This unique museum includes about 4,500 works in its permanent collection, 3,000 of which were created by artists with Northwest roots. Admire its diverse collection of creations, which range from Japanese woodblock prints to European impressionist pieces.
Enter the lobby to admire Tacoma artist Dale Chihuly's early work in the Kreielsheimer Foundation Alcove exhibit space. The lobby also includes a selection of the museum’s studio glass and sculpture collections.
The museum’s European collection consists of about 300 pieces. See French and German paintings from the late 19th century, including works by distinguished artists like Edgar Degas, Adolf Schreyer, Henri Fantin-Latour, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Karl Spitzweg. Look for Renoir’s masterful oil painting Heads of Two Young Girls.
View Japanese woodblock prints dating back to the 17th century. Many of these prints depict beautiful Japanese landscapes, city life and theater.
See works from the studio glass movement in the museum’s Northwest art collection. Other items to look for in this collection include prints by renowned Northwest print makers, such as Virna Haffer, Thomas Handforth and Jacob Lawrence, among others. This rare collection also features about 350 photographic works by photographers from the Northwest.
Head to the American art collection to see works by American artists from outside the Northwest region. Notice examples of early American modernism, including works by artists like Edward Hopper, Walt Kuhn and Charles Demuth.
Take advantage of the museum’s free interactive studio space, where you can create your own artwork using a range of art supplies and tools. Stop by the museum store to shop for books, cards, gifts and children’s toys.
The museum is open year-round, Tuesday to Sunday with regular holiday closures. Use the meter-operated parking spots found below and around the building or walk to the museum in less than 15 minutes from the center of Tacoma.
Appreciate the remarkable pieces created by artists from the Northwest and around the world at the Tacoma Art Museum.