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 Whatcom Museum!
The Whatcom Museum campus occupies three buildings in downtown Bellingham’s Arts District; two with regular public hours–the Lightcatcher building and Old City Hall. We are currently open at full capacity, except for the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) inside the Lightcatcher building, which is at reduced capacity. Click here for information about our COVID safety protocols and what to expect when you visit. During inclement weather, call our general info line, 360.778.8930, to confirm hours of operation and program schedules.
Admission
Members: Free
General: $10
Youth (6-17)/Students/Military(with valid ID)/Seniors (62+): $8
Children 2-5 years old: $5
Children under 2: Free
FIG-only visits: Wed. – Sat., 10 AM – Noon: $5
Reciprocal membership programs:
The Whatcom Museum participates in the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) and the Smithsonian Affiliate museums. Free reciprocal membership is provided by presenting a membership card with the NARM sticker, or by presenting a Smithsonian membership card.
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.
1. Lightcatcher building
Art Galleries, Family Interactive Gallery (FIG), Museum Store, & Café
250 Flora Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
General Info: 360.778.8930
FIG General Info Line: 360.778.8974
Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
FIG Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
Museum Store: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
Bar Cicotti (Café): Tuesdays – Saturdays, 11 AM – 9 PM
2. Old City Hall
Rotating and permanent historical exhibits
121 Prospect Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
General Info: 360.778.8930
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
3. Syre Education Center
Photo Archives
201 Prospect Street (back-alley entrance next to Old City Hall)
Bellingham, WA 98225
General Info: 360.778.8930
Normally closed to the public, except for Photo Archives.
The Photo Archives research room is open for public hours Wednesday – Friday, 1 – 5 PM.
2022 Holiday & Event Closures
January 1 (Entire campus)
November 10 (Entire campus)
November 24 (Entire campus)
December 24 & 25 (Entire campus)
January 1, 2023 (Entire campus)
Directions
North on I-5: Take exit 253/Lakeway Drive. Right onto King Street. Right onto Lakeway Drive. Lakeway becomes E. Holly Street. Right onto Bay Street. Immediate curve left onto Prospect Street. Old City Hall and the Syre are on the left. For the Lightcatcher, turn right from Prospect Street onto Flora Street. The building is on the corner of Flora Street and Grand Avenue.
South on I-5: Take exit 253/Lakeway Drive. Right onto Lakeway Drive. Lakeway becomes E. Holly Street. Right onto Bay Street. Immediate curve left onto Prospect Street. Old City Hall and the Syre are on the left. For the Lightcatcher, turn right from Prospect Street onto Flora Street. The building is on the corner of Flora Street and Grand Avenue.
To download a printable map and directions, click here.
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 offer paid parking Monday – Saturday between 11 AM – 6 PM. Street parking is free on Sunday. Check the City of Bellingham’s parking website for details.
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.
Accessibility
The Whatcom Museum strives to be accessible for all visitors and provides assistance at both of our buildings.
Accessibility at the Lightcatcher building: 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.
Accessibility at Old City Hall: An accessible parking space is located in the rear of the building, on the brick parking platform directly behind the back entrance doors. The accessible building entrance ramp is also located on the back side of the building. Take the ramp down to the basement level door and press the buzzer for assistance with opening the door. For additional assistance entering Old City Hall, call the front attendant desk at 360.778.8977. An elevator is located on the basement level that accesses all levels of the building. An accessible/family restroom is located on the first floor of the building.
Assistive 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.
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.
Food
To ensure the safety of the Museum’s artwork and collection and eliminate potential for pests, food is not allowed in the Museum buildings, including the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG). Water bottles and lidded cups are allowed in the FIG only, and in the Lightcatcher lobby. Please leave food, snacks, and other beverages in the car or at home. We appreciate your cooperation! Bar Cicotti, located inside the Lightcatcher building, offers beverages, snacks (mini pizzas & pastries), lunch items, and coffee service.
