Bellingham and Whatcom County shine with arts and heritage activities. A combination of nationally touring and locally produced museum exhibits, art galleries, science and history exhibits and outdoor sculpture collections provide an active and diverse year.
For virtual and in-person arts & culture experiences from September to December, go here.
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, a self-guided Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Bellingham is available in desktop, mobile and printed version.
History comes alive throughout the county at numerous venues including:
Whatcom Museum’s Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) typically features hands-on learning for kids of all ages.
Northwest Coast Salish tribes history and culture are celebrated in the new permanent exhibit at the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Building in Downtown Bellingham with People of the Sea and Cedar.
On the south side of Bellingham Bay, the historic Fairhaven District is home to numerous art galleries including Artwood and Peter James Photography Gallery.
On the north side of Bellingham, the Cordata neighborhood surrounds Whatcom Community College. Tucked into an expansive low-rise building is the impressive Gallery Syre.
Bellingham’s Big Rock Sculpture Garden, a 2.5-acre city park, also features more than 35 permanent works by distinguished international and local artists.
One of the Top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the nation resides at Western Washington University in Bellingham. With over 29 pieces located throughout the campus by renown artists such as Bruce Nauman, Tom Otterness, Isamu Noguchi, Alice Aycock, Beverly Pepper and Robert Maki.
