Children's play area with tree stump tunnel, colored stepping stones, a mural of the seaside and the forest, a climbing platform and a small cave and slide for children

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.


Welcome to the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG)!

The FIG is open to the public Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday, Noon – 5 PM at reduced capacity. The FIG Studio is open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and Sundays, noon – 4:30 PM.

During inclement weather, call the Museum’s general info line, 360.778.8930, to confirm hours of operation. FIG General Info Phone Line: 360.778.8974

Admission:

Admission to the FIG, Lightcatcher galleries, and Old City Hall:
Members: Free
General: $10
Youth (6-17)/Students/Military (with valid ID)/Seniors (62+): $8
Children ages 2 – 5 years: $5
Children under 2 years: Free
FIG-only visits: Wed. – Sat., 10 AM – Noon: $5

Reciprocal membership programs:
Members of museums that participate in the Northwest Association of Youth Museums (NWAYM) receive 25% off admission for a family (up to 4 people) by presenting a membership card and photo ID. See a list of Northwest Association of Youth Museums participating museums.

The Whatcom Museum also participates in the  North American Reciprocal Museum Association and the Smithsonian Affiliate museums.

Masks:

The FIG no longer requires visitors to wear a mask, though they are strongly encouraged.

Food:

To ensure the safety of the Museum’s artwork and collection, and to eliminate the possibility of pests, food is not allowed in the FIG or the Museum. Water bottles and lidded cups are allowed in the FIG only. Please leave food, snacks, and other beverages in the car or at home. We appreciate your cooperation! Bar Cicotti, located inside the Lightcatcher, offers beverages, Italian-style snacks and meals (mini pizzas & pastries), and coffee service.

Parking:

There is limited free parking at Old City Hall, 121 Prospect Street, for Museum patrons. It is a one block walk to the Lightcatcher building, where the FIG is located. FIG visitors may also park on the street in metered spaces. Metered spaces provide paid parking Monday – Saturday between 11 AM – 6 PM. Street parking is free on Sunday. Visit the City of Bellingham’s parking website for more information.

Public Transportation:

WTA route 15 stops on Grand Ave. near the Lightcatcher, and routes 50 and 232 stop on Prospect St. near Old City Hall. For more information on fares, routes, and schedules check the WTA website.

Strollers:

We ask that only strollers with babies sleeping enter the FIG due to limited space. Stroller parking is available just outside the FIG doors, which are located inside the Lightcatcher building lobby.

Restrooms/Changing facilities:

We have two restrooms available, one inside the FIG, as well as one in the Lightcatcher building. Our child-friendly restrooms are wheelchair accessible and contain Koala Kare changing stations.

Accessibility at the Lightcatcher:

There is a drop-off area/temporary loading zone in front of the Lightcatcher on Flora Street with a 15-minute load/unload time limit. For additional assistance entering the Lightcatcher, call the front attendant desk at 360.778.8980. The building’s front entrance features automated doors. An elevator is located inside the building, toward the galleries, to access both levels of the building. Accessible restrooms are located on both levels of the building, as well as a family restroom in the Family Interactive Gallery. A complimentary wheelchair is available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Inquire at the attendant desk.

Low Sensory Sunday (bi-monthly):

The FIG is an active, fun, and sometimes noisy place. We do offer a special time for children and families with autism spectrum and other sensory-processing disorders during our Low Sensory Sunday programs. Visit this page for more information including dates and times, or to register your family.

Blue box with a white graphic of an ear and a square around the graphic and the words Assistive Listening System Available Please Ask on the left of the graphicAssistive Listening System: The Museum has assistive listening devices installed at the Lightcatcher and Old City Hall attendant desks. Devices will be made available upon request for other areas of the Museum or for docent tours and programs.

Additional questions?

Please email us if you have questions about your visit that are not answered here.


Visitor Expectations

We are committed to providing a healthy, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitors. We ask our visitors to help us in our efforts by following our visitor guidelines including:

  • If you or anyone in your family are feeling ill or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough or fever, please stay at home.
  • Masks are encouraged, but not required. The Museum can provide a disposable mask for those who would like one.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Not comfortable visiting us in person? We invite you to try our virtual activities by exploring our FIG at Home page here!

Cleaning Procedures & Policies

  • We are performing routine cleaning of high-touch areas, common spaces, and exhibits throughout the day.
  • We have “Dirty Toy Bins” around the FIG to collect dirty and mouthed toys.
  • We use CDC and EPA-approved, non-toxic Force of Nature™ “electrolyzed water” cleaner to disinfect hands-on interactives.
  • CDC-approved self-cleaning NanoSeptic® skins have been applied to high-touch surfaces such as door handles, elevator/interactive buttons, and touch screens.
  • The Whatcom Museum has successfully met or exceeded the standards set by SanSee Safety Systems Certification for excellence in operational safety and hygiene. Read the SanSee news release
  • We are providing extra hand sanitizing stations around the Museum. Sinks are located in the restrooms and in the Art Studio.
  • Fresh air is circulated frequently throughout buildings daily.
  • Deep cleaning is performed after closing each day.

COVID-19 Disclaimer: While the Whatcom Museum has implemented rigorous protocols to maintain a clean and safe environment, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is a very contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and visitors with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting the Whatcom Museum you, and all members of your group, voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.