The museum building features a iconic 110-foot-tall glass rotunda that pays homage to the historic Tacoma Union Station next door.
The collection includes the 'Great Hall of Washington History,' which houses a massive, intricate map of the state inlaid in the floor.
The facility contains a significant collection of artifacts related to the Klondike Gold Rush and early pioneer migration along the Oregon Trail.
The museum functions as a research repository, housing millions of historical documents, photographs, and archival films.
The site was constructed as part of a larger downtown Tacoma urban renewal project in the mid-1990s.
The Washington State History Museum features immersive, high-tech galleries chronicling the state’s heritage from pre-contact Indigenous history to contemporary industrial and cultural developments. Housed in a notable postmodern building designed by architect Charles Moore, the museum is physically connected to the historic Tacoma Union Station. Key permanent exhibits utilize interactive touchscreens, oral history recordings, and multimedia installations to illustrate local narratives. The museum serves as the flagship for the Washington State Historical Society. It hosts revolving exhibits that rotate frequently to highlight specific regional topics, such as the evolution of the logging industry and the impact of the Pacific Northwest’s aerospace sector. The facility is located within Tacoma's historic warehouse district, overlooking the Thea Foss Waterway. It incorporates a five-story glass tower that provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding waterfront.
The interior of the soaring glass rotunda looking upward toward the skylight.
Visit the top level of the rotunda for the best architectural perspective and city views.
Check the museum's online event calendar before visiting to time your trip with special guest lectures or temporary exhibitions.
Use the nearby pedestrian bridge to easily access the Museum of Glass located just across the highway tracks.
Do not attempt to walk across the active railroad tracks; always use the designated pedestrian bridge for safe access to the waterfront district.
Closed on Mondays.
