Burke Museum Exhibits and Collections: A Visitor’s Guide

Seattle is fascinating not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural landmarks, which reveal more about the world than any textbook. One such place introduces visitors to ancient civilizations, remarkable nature, and the cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. It is a space for discovery, where rare artifacts, new knowledge, and the spirit of the past come together.

What Makes the Museum Interesting

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture was founded in 1899. Initially known as the Washington State Museum, it originated from a high school naturalists’ club. As the oldest museum in the state, it boasts a collection of over 16 million artifacts.

The Burke Museum is the largest natural history museum in the Pacific Northwest, located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. It was named after Thomas Burke, a well-known American civic leader.

Inside, six galleries showcase human creativity, fossils, plants, and animals, highlighting the uniqueness of natural history and culture in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

See the only dinosaur fossils on display in Washington State and watch paleontologists carefully remove layers of dirt from newly discovered specimens. Explore the diversity of Indigenous art from the Pacific Northwest and observe how traditions continue to thrive, as Native artists and researchers study collections from around the world. Every visit offers a new experience.

At Burke, the world feels alive. 

As the oldest public museum in Washington State, it houses an extensive collection ranging from totem poles and precious gems to dinosaur fossils.

The 105,000-square-foot building redefines the traditional museum concept by integrating research labs and collections with exhibition spaces. The goal is to invite everyone — from educators to casual visitors — to engage in a dynamic process of scientific and cultural discovery.

The museum occupies the northwest corner of the University of Washington campus. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a native plant garden and an open space called "Burke Yard," designed for community gatherings and events.

Each year, more than 35,000 students from Washington State visit the Burke Museum, while an additional 70,000 participate in educational programs across the state.

History

In December 1879, a group of teenagers, witnessing Seattle's rapid transformation into a major city, began collecting items to document the world around them. They called themselves the Young Naturalists Society and soon started meeting weekly, organizing expeditions, and giving lectures.

By 1885, the society had raised enough funds to rent a small building to house their growing collection. Initially, they had no official name for their exhibition space, but in 1885, they began calling their modest display the "Young Naturalists' Hall."

After relocating to the university campus in Seattle, the building was officially designated as the Washington State Museum in 1899. The museum received its current name in 1962 in honor of Judge Thomas Burke, a successful businessman, civic leader, and tireless advocate for education and culture in Seattle. Burke and his wife had a profound interest in Indigenous culture and were among its earliest collectors.

Over time, the museum and the university became increasingly interconnected, as professors engaged with the Young Naturalists Society, and some early members later became faculty. In 2013, five graduate students from the University of Washington's Department of Biology revitalized the society and its activities, which can be followed on their blog.

Today, the museum continues to serve the state of Washington by providing scientific and cultural education and conducting original research.

Collections

The museum's collections document human heritage from around the world, including over a million archaeological cultural sites and related archival documents.

• Archaeological collection

Archeology is the study of human history and our relationship to the environment. The archaeological collection contains artifacts, soil samples, animal and plant remains, and associated field records. The main focus of the exhibition is on the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Rim.

Many archaeological artifacts and records are available in the Burke Museum Collections Database. New data is added regularly, including inventory photos.

• Contemporary culture collection

The selection includes items from the late 1700s to the present day, purchased from collectors and local artists. The world-renowned collections of the Burke Museum include over 50,700 items and over 50,000 archival documents.

The focus is on the cultures of the Pacific region, including the unexplored aspects of Native American art. Exhibits include pieces from the US Northwest, one of the world's five largest Arctic Alaska collections, and the largest collection of Mexican pottery.

Location and Visitor Amenities

The museum is conveniently located on the University of Washington campus, a popular area easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even on foot if you're nearby. For those driving, parking areas are available close to the museum, eliminating the hassle of searching for a spot.

Visitors using public transit can take advantage of bus routes that pass through the university district. The museum's website provides detailed route recommendations and stop locations.

Inside, everything is designed for a comfortable visit. Wide hallways and elevators ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Cafés and rest areas are available for a quick bite or a break between exhibits.

Souvenir enthusiasts will appreciate the gift shop, which offers books, locally crafted items, and unique keepsakes — perfect for taking home a memory or finding a special gift.

For families with children, interactive zones provide hands-on activities, making the visit both engaging and educational for young visitors.