The collection includes the first dinosaur fossils ever discovered in Washington state.
The Burke Museum serves as the official state repository for all archaeological materials found on public lands in Washington.
Many of the museum's 'visible' laboratories allow visitors to watch experts prepare delicate specimens like bird skins or ancient fossils.
The museum's architecture includes a 20-foot-tall window specifically designed to offer views into the active paleontology lab.
The museum started from a collection of rocks and minerals gathered by the Young Naturalists' Society of Seattle.
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is the oldest museum in Washington state, established in 1885. Located on the University of Washington campus, it houses a collection of over 16 million artifacts and specimens. The museum is unique for its 'visible labs,' where visitors can observe scientists actively cleaning fossils and processing collections. Its current facility, opened in 2019, features a transparent design that prioritizes public visibility into research areas. Key collections focus on Pacific Northwest biodiversity, geology, and Indigenous cultures. The museum serves as the official repository for state-owned archaeological and paleontological collections. It emphasizes ongoing research over static displays, frequently rotating exhibits based on current fieldwork. The building was designed by Olson Kundig to function as a teaching facility integrated into the university landscape.
The dramatic, light-filled grand staircase that connects the different levels of the museum.
Use the 'visible lab' windows to ask scientists questions when they are available for public outreach.
Visit the cafe area for a quiet view of the museum's central courtyard.
Check the museum's online events calendar for guided tours of specific research departments.
Do not attempt to park in the restricted permit-only lots nearby; use the designated university visitor parking garages.
Closed on Mondays.
Standard museum decorum applies; photography is permitted without flash, and touching specimens is strictly prohibited unless otherwise indicated.
