Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

★★★★★ 4.5/5 (51,060 reviews) Excellent

About This Museum

People come to the Burke for all sorts of reasons. Some are drawn by the towering T. rex skeleton in the lobby, while others want to stand quietly before the beautiful, ancient totem poles and woven baskets made by Washington's first peoples. You can easily lose an afternoon wandering from the glittering gem hall into a room full of mammoth tusks and saber-tooth cat skulls. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel connected to the deep, layered history of this corner of the world.

Collection Highlights

You can't miss 'The Nation's T. rex,' a massive and remarkably complete skeleton. The Pacific Voices exhibit showcases stunning cultural treasures from across the region, from intricately carved canoes to vibrant button blankets.

Visitor Information

It's right there on the University of Washington campus, so parking can be a bit of a hunt—your best bet is the Central Plaza Garage. It's closed on Mondays, but it's a perfect rainy-day escape any other time.

Architecture & Building

A modern, glass-and-metal building designed to look like a box of treasures being unpacked, with different sections seemingly sliding out from a central core.

Contact & Location

Address: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, 4303, Memorial Way Northeast, Greek Row, University District, Seattle, King County, Washington, 98105, United States

Phone: +1 206-543-7907

Website: Visit Website