Welcome to the Whatcom Museum

THANK YOU for your interest in our favorite museum! We are committed to serving as both a community magnet and regional destination for cultural experiences rooted in art, nature and northwest history. Here, as part of our vision to connect people to new ideas, old traditions and each other, visitors take part in a vast range of programs and exhibitions designed to get us all thinking about our changing cultural, natural and historical landscapes. The goal? Build strong art muscles. Understand our shared heritage. Stretch minds, inspire preservation and stoke creativity in the name of sustaining Bellingham at its best.

SOUND INTERESTING? Come see us! We are located in Bellingham’s growing arts district, where you'll also find the Mt. Baker Theatre, SPARK: the Museum of Electrical Invention, The Pickford Film Center, Mindport and the Jinx Art Space, along with some great Bellingham coffee shops, beer stops and nosh opps.

The Whatcom Museum is a non-profit organization operated jointly by the City of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum Foundation. Our collection contains more than 200,000 artifacts and art works of regional importance, including a vast photographic archive. The Whatcom Museum is accredited nationally by the American Association of Museums and is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.

The goal? Build strong art muscles. Understand our shared heritage. Stretch minds, inspire preservation and stoke creativity.

Help us improve your visit!