The Whatcom Museum acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Lhaq’temish – Lummi People – and the Nuxwsá7aq – Nooksack People – who have lived in the Coast Salish region from time immemorial. The Museum honors our relationship with all of our Coast Salish neighbors and our shared responsibilities to their homeland where we all reside today.


Docent-Led Exhibition Tours

Looking for insights into contemporary art? Need a review of art appreciation 101? Want to know more about a specific artist or technique featured in an exhibition? Take a docent-led gallery tour! Docents are gifted tour guides eager to share their knowledge in informal, interactive hour-long tours. This is a terrific way to learn more about art and history while you visit. Docent-led gallery tours last 45 minutes to an hour and are free to members and included with admission for non-members. Visitors can take a guided tour of the current art exhibitions in the Lightcatcher building. Visit our Docent Tour page for details. Tours begin in the lobby.

Docent-Led Tours of Old City Hall

The Museum offers history tours of Old City Hall. Our trained docents take participants through the building and down to the basement of Old City Hall to see the historic jail rooms, including a padded cell from the days of prohibition. Learn more at our Docent Tour page.

City of Bellingham Self-Guided Historic Tours

Go on a self-guided outdoor walking tour of Bellingham. Experience the evolution of downtown Bellingham through historic photographs available as an interactive story map on your smart phone (or on your desktop computer if you want an armchair tour). You will see how downtown has changed since the first settlers arrived in 1852. Photos are from the Whatcom Museum’s Photo Archives. To take the tour visit www.cob.org/historytours.

History Sunset Cruises

Join us aboard San Juan Cruises’ Victoria Star for the Whatcom Museum History Sunset Cruises during the months of July and August for a waterside history lesson narrated by local historians. Visit the History Sunset Cruise page for more info.

School Tours

The Whatcom Museum is a major resource for teachers and students, providing school presentations to thousands of students annually. We offer interactive tours of both temporary and permanent exhibitions led by staff or trained docents, as well as self-guided tours. While many of our programs target a specific age range or curriculum unit, most programs can be customized for any grade level, from preschool through high school and college. We encourage teachers to preview exhibitions and provide us with input about their education needs. Whatcom Museum education programs are aligned with local school district curriculum and the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements. For more information visit our School Tours page.

Note: To schedule an Early Childhood tour of the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) email the FIG or call 360.778.8974. Please allow at least 2 weeks advance notice.