The History Museum is temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will post here when we are able to reopen. Meantime, we hope you’ll continue to connect with Washington’s rich history virtually. Our public programs will be held online through March, 2021. And see our History at Home page for links to learning resources, virtual programs, our new museum app, and other ways to explore history at home.
Washington State History Museum
Museum Hours (Note: CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID PANDEMIC)
- Closed on Monday.
- Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
- Third Thursday of each month: Open 10:00 AM-8:00 PM with FREE admission from 3:00-8:00 PM, generously sponsored by Columbia Bank.
Located on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, the museum’s brick façade and vaulted arches create a distinctive landmark in keeping with neighboring Union Station (now a federal courthouse) and the repurposed brick warehouses that comprise the University of Washington Tacoma campus. You’ll enjoy visiting the thriving Museum District and Pacific Avenue with plenty of places to snack, dine and shop.
Events and exhibitions
What's happening at the History Museum?
Fascination and fun come together at the Washington State History Museum! Explore our state’s people and places and our impacts on the country and the world through interactive exhibits drawn from the Historical Society’s collections, exciting traveling exhibitions, and dynamic events.
Field trips: We're taking reservations for 2021
A note about field trip season
NOTE: We are taking field trip reservations for 2021, however please be advised that reservations may be canceled depending on recommendations at the time related to COVID-19.
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The Washington State History Museum happily serves about 15,000 students each year. Field trips help students make meaningful, lasting connections between the past and present.
March through mid-June are the peak months for field trips. Students are often in the building during the hours of 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. If you prefer to visit at a quieter time, please plan your trip accordingly.
Admission Rates
| Ticket Type | Price | Half price through 10/23/20 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Historical Society Members | FREE | FREE |
| Adult (age 18+) | $14.00 | $7.00 |
| Senior (age 65+) | $11.00 | $5.50 |
| Student (age 6-18 or older with current high school ID) | $11.00 | $5.50 |
| Child (age 5 and under) | FREE | FREE |
| Military (active duty or retired with ID) | $11.00 | $5.50 |
Admission Discounts
| Discount Type | Discount Value |
|---|---|
| Blue Star Museums Program: From Memorial Day - Labor Day, active duty military with ID | FREE with up to five family members |
| Washington Foster Parent (with foster parent license and ID) | $1.00 per person, $2.00 per family |
| Washington Quest cardholder discount (card required; card cannot be used for admission purchase) | $1.00 per person, $2.00 per family |
| Group Discount: Groups of 10 or more, ages 6+ | $10.00 per person |
| Travel Tacoma Mt. Rainier Tourism & Sports Attraction Pass (purchase here) | 25% admission discount |
| AAA members discount: Up to two discounted regular price adult admissions per membership. Not valid during Model Train Festival. Must present AAA card at Admissions. | 15% on up to two adult admissions |
| Third Thursdays, 3:00 PM-8:00 PM | FREE for all |
| Library Passes: Pierce County, City of Tacoma, King County and Puyallup libraries offer free passes that can be checked out. Not valid during Model Train Festival. | FREE with some restrictions, see pass for details. |
| University of Washington Tacoma annual institutional membership | FREE for students and faculty with valid UWT ID |
Holiday Schedule
The History Museum is open on these holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Easter
- Veterans Day
The History Museum is closed on these holidays:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
Worth a visit!
Inclement Weather Policy
Snow, hail, freezing rain?
The Washington State Historical Society follows the closure status of the Tacoma Public Schools.
- If TPS schools are closed, the History Museum will be closed.
- If the TPS schools choose a delayed start, the History Museum will operate under normal hours from 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
When weather is questionable, you can check the TPS website and look for a banner across the top of their home page, where you’ll find details about closures.
We will also post a banner in yellow across the top of our website in these situations.
WSHS Conduct Policy
What to do (and not do) when you're in the History Museum
Image credit: Good Conduct Medal, created 1944-1945. Bronze medal reads, “EFFICIENCY – HONOR – FIDELITY,” and on the reverse it reads, “FOR GOOD CONDUCT.” Awarded to Theodore Christensen, Jr., a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne who participated during World War II at the Battle of the Bulge. Washington State Historical Society, 2014.158.4