What lies inside is even more impressive, as this museum is eye candy for the art lover. Old Master paintings as well as African masks join traveling exhibits and rotating works. There's also a Museum Cafe where you can let down your hair and have a delightful lunch. There are tours, music, visiting artist lectures and a Museum Store.
As you think of SAM it is not just the art museum that's a part of the overall experience; SAM also includes the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) at Volunteer Park and the Olympic Sculpture Park soon to be built at the downtown waterfront. The SAAM is on Capitol Hill and houses Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian and Southeast Asian art. The Olympic Sculpture Park is an 8.5 acre waterfront area adjacent to Myrtle Edwards Park that will contain sculpture and an ever-changing exhibition environment to reach a broad range of public art aficionados. Art-related theatre and musical experiences are also planned. The park design is currently part of an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York until May 16.
Unfortunately SAMM will close June 20 for a re-roofing project and will not be open until January 2006; it's part of a restoration project. If you want to visit it is best to get there now.
Current exhibits at SAM include photography and video from China, art of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt, art of Africa and Oceania, and art of Korean, Asia, China and Japan. At SAAM you will find contemporary ceramics by Yoon Kwang-Cho and art of Asia.
Currently under expansion, the downtown SAM will double its size by 2007. It will take up the entire city block on 2nd between Union and University streets. At that time, the first two floors will be free to visitors. Admission rates are only $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and free for students, members of SAM and children 12 and under. If you are a senior you have the added benefit of a free visit on the first Friday of every month. The museum is closed on Mondays. Individual memberships start at $50.
Step inside and get the flavor of Seattle and all it has to offer. You will be enlightened and delighted.
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