Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Seattle, WA

North America

United States

# Henry Art Gallery – Contemporary Art Museum in Seattle, WA

The Henry Art Gallery, located in Seattle, WA, is a distinguished contemporary art museum situated on the University of Washington campus. Established in 1927, it serves as a vital cultural hub, showcasing a diverse range of modern art, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions and community engagement, offering free admission on the first Thursday of each month, making it accessible to a broad audience. Visitors often highlight the unique architecture of the building, which features a blend of concrete, steel, and glass, allowing for an abundance of natural light that enhances the viewing experience. 

## History
### The story of Henry Art Gallery
The Henry Art Gallery was founded with a vision to provide a platform for contemporary artists and to foster an appreciation for modern art among the public. It was the first public art museum in the state of Washington, established by a group of art enthusiasts and educators who aimed to create a space for artistic expression and education. Over the decades, the gallery has evolved, adapting to the changing landscape of contemporary art while remaining committed to its foundational mission.

### Milestones and growth
- **1927**: The gallery opens its doors as the first public art museum in Washington.
- **1966**: The gallery undergoes significant renovations, expanding its exhibition space.
- **1990s**: Introduction of innovative programs and educational initiatives, enhancing community involvement.
- **2000**: The addition of the Skyspace installation by artist James Turrell, becoming a signature feature of the gallery.
- **2010s**: Continued focus on contemporary art, showcasing both emerging and established artists from around the globe.

### Cultural and local influence
The Henry Art Gallery has played a crucial role in shaping Seattle's cultural landscape. By hosting a variety of exhibitions that reflect social issues and artistic trends, it has become a space for dialogue and community engagement. The gallery often collaborates with local artists and institutions, fostering a vibrant arts community that resonates with the city's diverse population. Its commitment to education and accessibility has made it a beloved institution among students, educators, and art enthusiasts alike.

### Continuing the tradition
Today, the Henry Art Gallery continues to uphold its founding vision by presenting thought-provoking exhibitions that challenge and inspire visitors. The gallery remains dedicated to showcasing contemporary art that reflects the complexities of modern life, ensuring that it remains a relevant and dynamic space for artistic exploration. Through various programs and events, the gallery actively engages with the community, inviting them to participate in the ongoing conversation about art and its impact on society.

## Community
### Community involvement
The Henry Art Gallery is deeply embedded in the Seattle community, actively promoting involvement through various programs and initiatives. The gallery hosts workshops, lectures, and special events that encourage local participation and foster a sense of belonging among visitors. Its commitment to accessibility is evident in its free admission days and community outreach efforts, which aim to engage diverse audiences in the appreciation of contemporary art.

### Community notion about the place
The community views the Henry Art Gallery as a vital cultural resource that enriches the local art scene. Many residents appreciate its focus on contemporary issues and the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking exhibitions. While some visitors express mixed feelings about specific exhibits, the overall sentiment is one of support for the gallery's mission to promote artistic dialogue and community engagement.

### Events and gatherings
The gallery regularly hosts events that bring together artists, educators, and the public. From artist talks and panel discussions to family-friendly workshops, these gatherings create opportunities for meaningful interactions and learning experiences. Special events, such as the monthly free admission days, further enhance community engagement, allowing a broader audience to experience the gallery's offerings without financial barriers.

## Offerings
### What Henry Art Gallery offers
The Henry Art Gallery offers a rich array of contemporary art experiences that cater to diverse interests. Its exhibitions feature a wide range of artistic expressions, from traditional mediums to innovative multimedia installations. The gallery also provides educational resources and programs designed to enhance visitors' understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

### Dining and food experience
While the Henry Art Gallery does not have an on-site dining facility, its location on the University of Washington campus provides easy access to various nearby cafes and eateries. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack before or after their visit, making it a convenient stop for art enthusiasts looking to combine their cultural experience with culinary delights.

### Events and packages
The gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including special exhibitions, artist talks, and community workshops. These events are designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a deeper connection to contemporary art. Additionally, the gallery offers educational packages for schools and groups, providing tailored experiences that align with curriculum goals and enhance learning outcomes.

### Facilities and features
- **Exhibition spaces**: Multiple galleries showcasing rotating exhibitions.
- **Skyspace installation**: A unique art experience by James Turrell.
- **Educational resources**: Programs and materials for schools and community groups.
- **Accessibility features**: Efforts to ensure all visitors can enjoy the gallery.
- **Event spaces**: Areas available for community gatherings and special events.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of the Henry Art Gallery reflect a range of experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Many visitors appreciate the thought-provoking nature of the exhibitions and the gallery's commitment to contemporary art. However, some express concerns about the size of the gallery and the perceived value of the admission fee.

### Compliments and strengths
Visitors frequently commend the gallery for its innovative exhibitions and the quality of the artwork on display. The architecture of the building is often praised for its design and the way it enhances the viewing experience. Additionally, the gallery's commitment to community engagement through free admission days and educational programs is seen as a significant strength.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some visitors express disappointment regarding the size of the gallery and the number of exhibits available at any given time. A few reviews mention that certain exhibits felt underwhelming or confusing, leading to a mixed perception of the overall experience. However, the presence of standout installations, such as James Turrell's Skyspace, often balances these critiques.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, the Henry Art Gallery offers a unique and enriching experience for those interested in contemporary art. While some visitors may find the gallery smaller than expected, the quality of the exhibitions and the commitment to community engagement make it a valuable cultural institution in Seattle. The gallery continues to evolve, ensuring that it remains relevant and accessible to a diverse audience.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
The Henry Art Gallery is located at 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98195, within the vibrant University of Washington campus. This central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area is rich in cultural and educational resources, with nearby attractions including the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Seattle Japanese Garden, and the iconic Cherry Blossoms that bloom in the spring. The gallery's proximity to these attractions enhances its appeal, making it a perfect stop for those exploring the university and its surroundings.

## FAQs
**What are the admission fees** Admission is free on the first Thursday of each month and $10 on other days.  
**Are there any free days** Yes, the gallery offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.  
**What type of art is displayed** The gallery features contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations.  
**Is the gallery accessible** Yes, the Henry Art Gallery strives to be accessible to all visitors.  
**Are there events for families** Yes, the gallery hosts family-friendly workshops and events throughout the year.  

## Visit Henry Art Gallery Today
The Henry Art Gallery invites you to explore its diverse offerings of contemporary art in a welcoming environment. With a rich history of community engagement and innovative exhibitions, the gallery provides a unique space for artistic exploration. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Seattle, the Henry Art Gallery promises an enriching experience that fosters appreciation for modern art. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking works and participate in community events that celebrate creativity and expression.

48f842b1-2f52-4700-b9f0-9524f7bf2462

I think the compact size doesn't matter much since admission's free for most visitors--especially educators and students. Modern art often smells like contemporary aggrandizement to me. Placards describing a work's history and symbols are cool; artists going on and on about how "transformative and vulnerable" their art is--kinda different vibe.

8c94e4c5-defe-4ff9-841d-c65d73adcea5

We were in the neighborhood checking out the Cherry Blossoms. Walking around the campus ran into the Henry Art Gallery. Check it out if you're into contemporary art. It's located on the other side of Meany Hall in the University of Washington campus and has all sorts of cool stuff to check out, like paintings, sculptures, video installations, and performance art. They always have new and exciting exhibits featuring artists from all over the world. The displays are really thought-provoking and explore a bunch of different themes, so there's always something interesting to think about. The building itself is pretty cool too. It's made of a bunch of different materials like concrete, steel, and glass, and it lets in a ton of natural light. Walking through the galleries is a chill and relaxing experience. Their special exhibit was the "Thick As Mud" which was quite revealing and subjective. Besides the exhibits, the museum also hosts a ton of fun events and workshops.

e9848254-aebd-4a5c-9293-d8096c2cab07

Great, thoughtful and thought-provoking artwork, social commentary and more. First Thursday of the month is free! Sometimes not all spaces are accessible or have exhibits, so you may find that you make it through relatively quickly, even after reading and contemplating most of the pieces. A highlight is the architecture of the building, itself! Make sure to read the thoughtful quotes above the doorways, too.

f359c36b-7ac3-4954-b6eb-7c5968ffec63

Real small. You'll probably spend an hour max here. Has three exhibits at a time. One of which wasn't much to look at. Donation to enter (0-20 recommended). Had the same artist we saw at the Sam six months ago. Wouldn't say it's worth going out of the way for but might be a cheap rainy day thing for a local.

92f1e2a1-14c2-4681-a155-aca2b8a6bca7

This is not for the faint of heart. Many of the exhibits are fillers and fluff, but there a few pieces in here that outshine most modern installations. Depending on the time you're visiting, and the artists that are showcasing, you could stumble upon some real modern art, but if you're unlucky, you could just be walking into a student portfolio that needs a lot more than just a trust fund.

6bbcde52-3d3d-409f-a502-ccdfb3dacda4

We enjoy visiting museums wherever we go but this was not it. The layout of the exhibit and the descriptions of the art pieces were confusing. We toured the whole place in 30 minutes. As some reviews have said, you are left wondering if that was it. The exhibits are too far apart from one another and don't quite translate well from one room to the next. The whole experience was disrupted by confusing video footage - not art for us. I mean, to each their own. The fiance got in for free since he is a student but I think we paid $10 for my entrance fee. Definitely not worth it.

235852b0-31c2-457e-a272-66ff169266ff

Either this place is the worst or I completely missed the mark. Employees at the front desk were awkward to the point where I wasn't sure if I was in the right place. There were hardly any exhibits to see and I was left wondering, "Was that it?" Super disappointing, even for free Admission on first Thursday. Would never recommend.

6b69a3e4-5787-4ded-8e0e-32172efaeb09

I get the complaints about The Henry: why does a university art gallery charge admission -- most don't -- and why is the admission charge so high for such a small gallery? First impressions count and these are valid questions. With that said, I gladly paid the admission fee for one reason only: James Turrell's 'Light Reign' skyspace installation. I think he's the most revolutionary artist -- if he's really an artist because I haven't figured that out yet -- alive today. The man works with light and our perceptions of space. It's a colossal task and his works address it with such elegance and immediacy. The Henry doesn't allow photos of the interior of Mr. Turrell's installation and, frankly, photos don't do it justice. You have to be willing to slow down when you encounter a Turrell work. As I sat in the elevated pod that is 'Light Reign', I watched some visitors enter, look up at the ceiling of an open sky and exclaim 'I don't get it' before walking out a moment later. I could have stared at the sky for hours in this oval-shaped room. The remaining portions of the gallery were given over to Ann Hamilton's 'the common SENSE'. In every art gallery/museum, the visitor is admonished to refrain from touching the works of art: dirty fingers result in dirty and damaged art. In this exhibition, not only is the visitor encouraged to touch the pages on display, the visitor can rip out the pages he/she likes to put in a commonplace book -- look up the term -- to read. As The Henry was my last stop before scurrying to the airport, it was fun to take my assembled pages with me to read on the plane. A visitor has to take chances and not every art environment can be an ideal experience every time. For such a small university gallery -- and one with a hefty admission charge relatively speaking -- I don't know that I'll forget this visit. I loved it.

c69272a0-90c1-4b68-a3cc-f0e0bdc45741

Very cool exhibits, and all worthy of discussion. Layout of the place is great with many rooms for installations and a large open space downstairs for bigger exhibitions. I personally enjoyed Caitlin Berrigan's Treatise on Imaginary Explosions Vol II which had many different cool components, including an interactive sound immersion experience, artifacts, video, and fabricated prop jewelry with video screens in them. Super cool stuff. The quotes about art which adorn the space are also really nice and add a great framework to certain pieces as you enter or exit certain rooms.

10956669-c160-4815-b1e1-86ca635efc2e

I've been wanting to go to the Henry for quite a while! The pictures of all of the gray balloons people were in posted to this Yelp entry was the main selling point but I realized that the exhibit may have moved on by the time I got there, which it did. Exhibits that come here are on display here for a year. In it's stead however there was a very cool exhibit of women's hosiery and leggings stretched into all kinds of unusual positions as well as some experimental art films here too. On the main floor there was the White Snow exhibit which was a hypnotic melding of Snow White and Bambi as well as other Disney characters in a massive fusion to each piece. It was very beautiful and unusual! Of course the main staple here is the Skyspace! This exhibit seems to be a permanent fixture here and it is very beautiful! Photography is allowed inside the art gallery except for inside the Skyspace but I can see that someone didn't adhere to those rules and posted a picture of it on Yelp from the inside. Lol! Oh well... Entry fees are $10 a person except on Sundays where admission is free. They also have a free day on the first Thursday each month. The gallery is on the UW campus so parking may be pretty tight but going here on a Sunday is less so and stickered parking on campus is relaxed. It's definitely an art gallery worth going to!

Discover the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA—an inspiring destination for art lovers. Explore innovative exhibits and vibrant culture. Plan your visit today.

Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA | Art & Culture Destination

Seattle

Henry Art Gallery

Washington

Explore the full menu at Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St.

Henry Art Gallery Menu – Food & Drinks in Seattle, WA

Learn about Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA. Discover our mission, exhibitions, and what makes us a must-visit cultural spot in the city. Located at 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St.

About Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, WA

Opening hours for Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, WA. Find opening hours for Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, WA on 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St.

Henry Art Gallery Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Henry Art Gallery

FY Malatang

Itadakimasu

Novabox Karaoke