• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Logo

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism

Travel, Hotel and Visitor Information

Bellingham Outdoors Animated Logo
  • Home
  • Places to Stay
    • Hotels / Resorts
    • Vacation Rentals / Bed & Breakfasts
    • Camping / RV Parks
    • Hotel Packages / Special Rates
    • Park n’ Fly Hotel Packages
  • Places to Eat
    • Restaurants
    • Craft Breweries
    • Wine, Spirits & Wineries
    • Coffee Shops & Sweets
  • Things to Do
    • Events Calendar
    • Annual Events
    • Agricultural
    • Attractions
    • Bicycling
    • Bird Watching
    • Cannabis
    • Casinos
    • Fishing
    • Golfing
    • Hiking
    • Itineraries
    • Museums & Galleries
    • Parks & Playgrounds
    • Running
    • Scenic Drives
    • Shopping
    • Snowsports
    • Spas & Health
    • Theaters & Music
    • Tours
    • Water Adventures
    • Summer Activities
    • Fall Activities
    • Winter Activities
    • Spring Activities
    • Whatcom Arts Project
  • Outdoors
    • Bicycling
    • Bird Watching
    • Fishing
    • Golfing
    • Hiking
    • Multisports
    • Parks & Playgrounds
    • Running
    • Scenic Drives
    • Snowsports
    • Water Adventures
  • Getting Here
    • Maps
    • Ground Transport
    • Air Transport
    • Water Transport
    • US/Canada Border
  • Blogs
  • Communities
    • Bellingham
    • Birch Bay
    • Blaine
    • Downtown Bellingham
    • Fairhaven Historic District
    • Ferndale
    • Lummi Island
    • Lynden
    • Mt. Baker
    • North Cascades
    • Point Roberts
    • Sumas
  • Media
    • Media Request Form
    • Articles & Coverage
    • Press Releases
    • Photo Contest
  • About Us
    • Contact
    • Weather
    • Request Information
    • Jobs & Volunteer
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
    • Industry Resources
    • Membership
    • Member Directory
    • Services
      • Event Planning
      • Relocation
      • Business
      • Education
      • Financial
      • Medical
      • Out of Area
2019 Bellingham Museums Header
Home / Things to Do / Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries

Check out our current Travel Advisory for local travel restrictions including COVID-19 related guidelines.

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 more information, check with the Museum or Gallery directly via their contact information below.


  • Spark Museum Frankenstein Mask
    Spark Museum
  • Whatcom Museum Mask
    Whatcom Museum
  • Allied Arts Mask
    Allied Arts
  • Whatcom Museum Mask
    Whatcom Museum
  • My Ideal Day In Historic Fairhaven Bellingham Washington Peter James Studio (5)
    Peter James Gallery

Bellingham’s downtown Cultural Arts District includes:

  • The Whatcom Museum’s state-of-the-art venues
    • Lightcatcher building
    • Family Interactive Gallery (FIG)
    • Old City Hall 
  • Allied Arts of Whatcom County
  • Downtown Art Walks
    • Follow the balloons around downtown to visit participating venues
  • The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention
  • Mindport Exhibits
  • Artist Studio Tours – October, various locations around Whatcom County
    • Dozens of visual artists county-wide participate in the Whatcom Artists Studio Tour each October, opening their homes and galleries to visitors.
  • The Pickett House

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.


Whatcom County Museums and Historical Sites

History comes alive throughout the county at numerous venues including:

  • Peace Arch State Park in Blaine
  • The Lynden Pioneer Museum
  • Jansen Art Center in Lynden
  • Hovander Park and Pioneer Park in Ferndale
  • Semiahmoo Park Maritime Museum

Additional Museum and Gallery Information:

Whatcom Museum’s Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) typically features hands-on learning for kids of all ages.

Travel Tip: The Whatcom Museum has temporarily closed the Family Interactive Gallery’s inresponse to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Whatcom Museum invites you to join them for virtual activities by exploring our FIG at Home page here!


  • Dsc06239
    FIG
  • Dsc06260
    FIG
  • Whatcom Museum Mask The Fig
    FIG

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.


  • Dsc06302
    Whatcom Museum
  • Dsc06306
    Whatcom Museum
  • Dsc06311
    Whatcom Museum
  • Dsc06312
    Whatcom Museum
  • Dsc06277
    Whatcom Museum

Historic Fairhaven District

On the south side of Bellingham Bay, the historic Fairhaven District is home to numerous art galleries including Artwood and Peter James Photography Gallery.


Cordata Neighborhood

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.


Big Rock Sculpture Garden

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.


  • Big Rock Sculpture Garden Bellingham 2
  • Big Rock Sculpture Garden Bellingham 11
  • Big Rock Sculpture Garden Bellingham 7

Western Washington University’s Outdoor Sculpture Collection

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.


  • Western Washington University Sculptures Bellingham Whatcom9 50 1 50
  • Western Washington University Sculptures Bellingham Whatcom5 50
  • Western Washington University Sculptures Bellingham Whatcom2 50 (1)

Museums & Galleries Resources

Locations
Artwood Bellingham
Artwood
1000 Harris, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-647-1628
Visit Website

Artwood is a cooperatively owned showplace and retail source for the finest in contemporary woodworking, providing custom design services, cabinetry, fine furniture, and many decorative accessories. Artwood also carries a variety of consigned work by other local artists. Come in and experience the beauty of wood.

info@artwoodgallery.com
Categories:
Museums & Galleries
Epson Mfp Image
Whatcom Art Market
1103 11th St, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-738-8564
Visit Website

We are composed of over 40 local artists & craftspeople, from watercolor & oil painters to wood & metal workers. Our photographers travel to bring you stunning images! We have artists creating jewelry & glass, handcrafted knits & textiles. Visit us Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-6:00.

FairhavenArtMarket@gmail.com
Categories:
Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Mindport Exhibits
210 W Holly Street, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-647-5614
Visit Website

Mindport features interactive exhibits designed and hand built by our staff and fine art installations that rotate through our public window display and our indoor galleries. Opportunities abound for discovery, learning and experimentation for visitors of all ages.

Categories:
Attractions & Entertainment, Museums & Galleries
Allied Arts Whatcom County
Allied Arts of Whatcom County
1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-676-8548
Visit Website

Dedicated to the arts in our region by empowering local artists through organized festivals and events, enriching our local school children through educational outreach programs, and working as a liaison to art enthusiasts of all ages

alliedarts@alliedarts.com
Categories:
Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Jansen Art Center Lynden
Jansen Art Center
321 Front Street, Lynden, 98264
1-360-354-3600
Visit Website

The Jansen Art Center is a place for artists
to create, teach, share, and engage
the community in the arts.

info@jansenartcenter.org
Categories:
Meeting & Event Facilities, Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Peter James Photography Gallery Bellingham
Peter James Photography Gallery
1211 Mill Ave, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-715-9699
Visit Website

Located in Historic Fairhaven’s Orca Building, Peter James is ready to help you look your best, by putting you at ease while using the best modern lighting and composition techniques. He offer all types of personal and business photography in his high-tech photo studio, in your home or office, or at any outdoor location you desire.

peter@peterjamesphoto.com
Categories:
Museums & Galleries
Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher Bellingham
Whatcom Museum - Lightcatcher
250 Flora Street, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-778-8930
Visit Website

The Lightcatcher hosts a rotating schedule of art exhibitions throughout the year and houses the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) and Museum Store. 

museuminfo@cob.org
Categories:
Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Spark Museum Bellingham
Spark Museum of Electrical Invention
1312 Bay Street, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-738-3886
Visit Website

The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention offers an exciting and educational experience for audiences of all ages. Compelling, interactive exhibits spanning four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage are featured in a world-class collection of unique objects. The Spark Museum displays the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history.

tana@sparkmuseum.org
Categories:
Museums & Galleries
Western Washington University Bellingham
Western Gallery
Old Main 490, Bellingham
1-360-650-3900
Visit Website

The Western Gallery provides diverse experiences in the visual arts for its constituencies, encompassing the University community and region while providing a point of reference to the national and international art scene.

Categories:
Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Whatcom Museum Old City Hall Bellingham
Whatcom Museum - Old City Hall
121 Prospect Street, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-778-8930
Visit Website

The Whatcom Museum, located in the heart of downtown Bellingham’s cultural district, offers a rich variety of programs and exhibitions about art, nature, and Northwest history. Home to the Whatcom Museum since 1941, Old City Hall features history exhibits and the John M. Edson Hall of Birds.

museuminfo@cob.org
Categories:
Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Whatcom Artists Studio Tour
PO Box 5921, Bellingham, 98227
1-360-738-3961
Visit Website

Whatcom County artists open their studios to the public during the 20th annual Whatcom Studio Artist Tour the first two weekends of October. Artwork is for sale and artists are available (some demonstrating) to meet with visitors. Tour includes clay, glass, handmade books, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and woodworking. This self-guided tour is free.

info@studiotour.net
Categories:
Museums & Galleries
Gallery Syre Bellingham
Gallery Syre
465 W Stuart Rd., Bellingham, 98226
1-360-746-8745
Visit Website

The exhibition features a selection of paintings, drawings and sculptures that spans David Syre’s artistic career so far, from one of his first works to the most recent large-scale canvases that show a complex mastery of painting techniques and visual translation of spiritual, personal and collective experiences.

info@davidsyreart.com
Categories:
Attractions & Entertainment, Museums & Galleries, Whatcom Arts Project
Western Washington University Bellingham
Outdoor Sculpture Collection
516 High Street, Bellingham, 98225
1-360-650-3000
Visit Website

Extending from the Western Gallery’s plaza and integrated with other campus buildings, quadrangles, lawns, and playing fields is Western’s Outdoor Sculpture Collection. The Western Gallery is in the Fine Arts Complex, centrally located on campus and across from Carver Gym.

Categories:
Museums & Galleries

Lynden Pioneer Museum
217 Front Street, Lynden, WA 98264
1-360-354-3675
Uptown Art Studio
810 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225
1-360-733-1471
robert@uptownart.com

Footer

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229

Hours: Due to COVID-19, the Visitor Center is open limited hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. Masks required.

Phone: 360-671-3990
Email: tourism@bellingham.org

Join

Sign up to receive Bellingham Whatcom County events & information!

Share

site by highwaters.net