Elizabeth R. Gahan, Seattle, Wash., Chromatic Cyrstallization, 2016; Corrugated plastic and vinyl. Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Amy Chaloupka.

The Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building, 250 Flora Street, is designed by Olson Kundig Architects’ founding partner, Jim Olson. The building is named for its focal point and most innovative feature — a spectacular, translucent wall 37 feet high and 180 feet long, that captures the Northwest’s most precious natural resource: sunlight. The 42,000-square-foot-building integrates natural materials native to the region and is the first museum in Washington designed and registered to LEED Silver-Level specifications. The Lightcatcher hosts a rotating schedule of art exhibitions throughout the year and houses the Museum’s Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) and Museum Store. For information about hours and admission, click here.