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Museums #6 in Bellingham, Washington

SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

4.8 · 912 reviews
Educational, electrifying, and vintage-industrial.
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, 1312 Bay St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
Interesting facts
1

The collection includes a functional 1890s-era phonograph that is still operational for demonstrations.

2

The museum houses rare 'Geissler tubes' from the 19th century, which represent the early ancestors of neon lighting.

3

It maintains one of the largest private collections of antique vacuum tubes and early radio components in North America.

4

The MegaZapper Tesla Coil produces millions of volts of electricity during its signature demonstration.

5

The facility features a 'Theremin' exhibit, allowing visitors to interact with one of the first electronic musical instruments.

6

Some exhibits include original correspondence and patents belonging to early pioneers like Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison.

Overview

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham houses a collection of rare historical apparatus spanning the history of electricity and radio. The museum is renowned for its MegaZapper Electrical Show, which features one of the world's largest Tesla coils. Its extensive galleries trace the evolution of electrical innovation from the 1600s to the present day. Visitors can view a collection of Edison-era light bulbs and early radio broadcast equipment. The museum occupies a historic building in downtown Bellingham, preserving items that demonstrate the scientific progression of magnetic and electric phenomena. Interactive exhibits allow guests to experience static electricity and observe high-voltage demonstrations. The facility functions as a research center and public museum for electrical history enthusiasts.

Photo spot

The viewing area during the MegaZapper show, which provides dramatic lighting and visual effects.

Insider tips

Check the daily show schedule upon arrival so you do not miss the live Tesla coil demonstrations.

Bring a camera that performs well in low light, as the exhibit galleries are kept dim to protect sensitive historical electronics.

Allow extra time to interact with the hands-on science stations located in the main gallery.

What to avoid

Do not touch the artifacts in the glass display cases, as many are fragile, one-of-a-kind historical pieces.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-week mornings to avoid the larger weekend crowds during live demonstrations.
Address
SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, 1312 Bay St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
48.751, -122.480
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsMegaZapper Tesla Coil, antique radio collection, 1890s phonographs, and Victorian-era electrical apparatus.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-week mornings to avoid the larger weekend crowds during live demonstrations..

The viewing area during the MegaZapper show, which provides dramatic lighting and visual effects.

Close by you'll find Mount Baker Theatre, Waypoint Park, The Upfront Theatre.