Frye Art Museum image

Frye Art Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Gift shop Art gallery Art museum

One of the Most Reviewed Gift shops in Seattle


Address

704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Website

fryemuseum.org

Contact

(206) 622-9250

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (53) free (35) collection (23) exhibits (20) Free (16) Frye (16) small (12) visit (12) exhibit (12) great (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Orlin H. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this American art museum! They often have contemporary art which makes it exciting for me. Usually parts of their permanent collection are on display. Always worth a donation if you can afford it. Free entry if you can’t! It’s completely accessible and the restrooms are gender neutral! Gréât place. Go see art.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lake K. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice, well-curated, free art museum in a nice part of town. A little on the small side as museums go, but there's quality material inside. Well worth a visit!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kara S. 2 years ago on Google
    What a lovely art museum! We saw the Black Refraction exhibit, and it was incredible. They chat he exhibits, so you can return every few months for something new. Perfect place to spend a couple of hours!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xiaochen Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Free art for the public! It is quite small with three exhibitions. But this makes it much more accessible than those giant art museums where you feel too overwhelmed. Get you to be more immersed in the world of art. Feel with heart, not the eye :)
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ruben K. 4 months ago on Google • 688 reviews
    It was a fine little museum. Expect a visit of maximum 30 minutes. It’s interesting to see.

  • 5/5 Evelyn A. 6 months ago on Google • 97 reviews
    Free Museum with changing exhibitions and one large room containing a really interesting permanent collection. The staff are nice and the exhibit I saw was well-presented and unique. It’s not a huge place, which makes it possible to take it all in on one visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Awa-Moon Scott B. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    I love the Frye! It’s one of my favorite museums in Seattle, but since they’ve closed their gender-neutral bathroom I don’t go there as often or stay as long. I used to spend hours there. Truly a shame for a museum with so much potential to educate people on human rights.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brad L. 1 year ago on Google
    Whether you're a seasoned art aficionado or just looking for an interesting way to spend an afternoon, the museum's impressive collection and thoughtful curation are sure to captivate. Plus, the fact that admission is free makes it a must-visit destination for anyone in the Seattle area.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anastasia B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very impressed by the “Experimenting with Bearden” educator workshop and overall exhibit of the work of Romare Bearden. Fantastic free little (but mighty!) art museum and great gift shop. Absolutely will be coming back for future exhibits and workshops.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 V. T. 3 years ago on Google
    The museum is free, but donations are welcome. Easily and fully handicap accessible. Not a lot of walking, so good trip for seniors or others who are not up to walking a lot. For a smaller scale museum, they manage to have a wide array of art on display, both in the main gallery and the rotating exhibits areas. The staff is friendly, free parking is available across the street and pay to park spots are all around. The cafe has a nice selection and in warm weather, a cute little outdoor area to eat. The gift shop offers many things worth taking a look at. They also offer varied programs for aspiring artists and people who simply appreciate art. You can even bring your own supplies and paint in the main gallery. It's a peaceful place. I will definitely re-visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna E. 6 months ago on Google • 151 reviews
    I come here several times a year because they change their exhibits quite often, so there is always something new to look at. They showcase both contemporary and classic artworks, and they also feature a lot of local (Pacific Northwest) artists. My favorite artworks are classical paintings of livestock, specifically cows. This museum has like a dozen cow paintings and I love it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben W. 4 years ago on Google
    Number one museum for a visit to Seattle. First of all, it's free, and second (probably more important) the collection on display is both varied and beautiful. There is usually a provoking exhibit on display, and like the permenant collection, will also impart something before you experience the dreaded "museum fatigue." Please donate to the museum when you leave if you enjoyed yourself!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Spencer N. 1 year ago on Google
    Credit to Frye they only had one exhibit open when I visited (from what I gathered, it was from the Frye's permanent collection of the eponymous family). Don't get me wrong, I don't want to scoff at a free museum... I just didn't find too much to justify a discrete visit. Bundle it with other sites in the area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle L. 5 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    We had a pleasant experience at the Frye museum. Staff was very welcoming, entry is free, they accept donations but don’t push it. They had several multi media exhibits opens. I enjoyed the wide variety they had displayed. It is a small museum, definitely don’t need more than an hour. Facility was clean and quiet and not very busy on a Saturday.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aubrey F. 4 years ago on Google • 152 reviews
    I loved this museum; it was full of thought-provoking exhibits with varied mediums, yet left enough space to really appreciate each one individually. I really liked the layout of the building, as well as how they utilized the layout to transition you from one space to another. A quiet and thoughtful atmosphere with a well curated collection. I highly recommend this place to art lovers and curious minds alike -- you will not be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jr&Jade 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent place to visit, very unique art. Great gift shop. Admission is free but Donate, keep this place open.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kamil S. 1 year ago on Google
    Saw the flying women exhibit. I really enjoyed. Didn't completely understand some of the explanations but they were really pretty for some. And some of them were less about taking stuff seriously and just enjoying them. Also it's completely free but I left a $5 donation
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenny C. 9 months ago on Google
    A beautiful museum, with optional admission payment (donations welcome!). The place is super clean, the bathroom is nice, and there aren't too many people. Its a cute hole in a wall! Very close to other museums around the area, although like rest of downtown Seattle, parking is hard to find. But transit commute is super easy. This place is small but big enough to explore for an hour or so. If you aren't actively looking for a museum, you probably wont have noticed that this was a museum. They also have a cute gift shop that my friend and I stopped by for a while.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 JD S. 2 years ago on Google
    Planned a day I would be in the area and took a bus to near the Frye Museum. I had no backpack. I entered Frye and was briskly tooled I could not enter because my small kit for diabetic supplies was not allowed in the Museum. I would have to leave it in my car. I told him I took the bus to get there. He indicated I could not get in. I asked about secure lockers at the museum for women's purses. Frye's staff was not clear to me what they did per the person at the front desk. No signage etc. there indicating this because I had previously visited the front entrance the day before with friends and decided I wanted to come back the next day. If I had seen a sign indicating this entrance issue I would not planned to visit the museum. No one was at the desk to ask questions So I had left. It appears if you are diabetic or have a another medical condition you are no allowed to go into the Museum with anything incase of a need arises for medication. Also do not take the bus there because then you are stranded and must return back home. Parking is a nightmare in for several blocks in that area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Isaac W. 2 years ago on Google
    I just wanted to let anyone who’s planning on going around the time of this review that half of the museum isn’t even open as they’re working on 2 of the 4 exhibits. A trip here will last you no longer than 20-30 minutes unless you go to the “gift shop”. Just wanted to share that with people so you don’t make the mistake of going like myself.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zach 2 years ago on Google
    Great curation of PNW regional artists. When it's on display, be sure to check out the Frye's founding collection.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J G. 5 months ago on Google • 165 reviews
    Best museum in Seattle if you only have a short time to visit.

  • 5/5 Duncan W. 2 years ago on Google
    I found this museum by accident. I saw my first Odd Nerdrum paintings here. Saw Robert Crumb on another trip. I'm so happy, and astonished, by the quality and diversity of the work shown here. The gallery really focuses on the human condition and the artists who best express our humanist and perennial nature. A must visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Niti G. 5 years ago on Google
    I love museums but I can’t give this one a 5/5! It is a very small museum. Three main rooms for exhibitions and three or four smaller rooms for their ongoing exhibits. The reason for a higher rating is that it is free. As a part of their current exhibit, there is a free show for an hour on select days (weekends included) which was pretty funny and colorful (the rain doesn’t know friends from foes). I couldn’t appreciate the exhibitions except one on immigration. It was not super artistic but strong on theme. At places, it wasn’t clear how is the painting or photo or sculpture related to the theme. It might be just me who didn’t get it. The salon was really pretty. It has 150 paintings from floor to ceiling. Again nothing famous but showed the timing of the photo and who and what was shown on the painting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frieden E. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum's curators bring in wonderful, thought-provoking exhibits. There is a tremendous emphasis on diversity, with artists from minority communities often featured prominently. Holding a distinguished permanent collection of its own, which is rotated through the galleries on a regular basis, The Frye shares masterpieces in a way that makes the art feel intimately accessible. The docents and other staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Visitors will appreciate the building's architectural features including a reflecting pool outside along Terry Avenue. The Frey hosts lectures and has a delightful gift shop that is not to be missed, and guests can also enjoy culinary offerings provided by talented chefs at Café Frieda. (At the time of this posting, some services are temporarily scheduled on a reduced basis. It is recommended that one phone ahead or look at the website.) The Frye is a community gem. There is no charge to enter the museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven V. 4 years ago on Google
    Free admission with a stellar permanent collection
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christian Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice off the beaten track free museum. Rotating exhibitions. I'm thrilled its free to enter (PS make a donation if you're able) worth stopping by show your support. These museum are a rare gem.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carol R. 9 months ago on Google
    I went to the Frye today and was mesmerized. First of all, Admission is Free to all people. the staff was outstanding.. Entite museum was on one floor. The gift shop be was ultra cool. I saw many items I wanted BB ty o buy but just bought 3 postcards and a burlap bag. I will definitely find my way back to the Frye.. if you are interested in art or wonderful experiences you may try the Frye museum and be Be Pleasantly surprised. I know I was. Inspired , Carol Rountree. ✋
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlene L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great range of exhibition and art works. Pieces were thought provoking and spent a wonderful afternoon here. Free of charge but definitely recommend leaving a donation.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 TOD L. 4 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    Great spontaneous visit. Outstanding customer service. Although only 3 rooms were open for displays, it was most enjoyable. Beautiful paintings as well as sculptures and artifacts.

  • 3/5 Renzo 3 years ago on Google
    The Frye has changed. It used to be devoted exclusively to representational art of all periods. That is, no abstract art, no conceptual art, no minimalist art, no installations, no performance art. No basketballs suspended in a fish tank ( Jeff Koons ) . The museum was initially built to house the collection of Charles and Emma Frye. More representational art was acquired and the collection grew.Shows from outside were mounted such as the works of Bo Bartlett, Wilhelm Hammershoi, Nicolai Fechin, Maxfield Parrish, Toulouse- Lautrec, Norman Rockwell, Renoir, Daumier. While other art museums were going in different directions, The Frye remained the last bastion of representational art... landscapes, portraits interiors, still lifes. Personally, I think the spirit if not the letter of the Frye's will has been betrayed. I think they would be appalled at how their museum has changed. But the present directorship feels otherwise, asserting that the Fryes were innovative and forward looking collectors. This is absurd. Their collection contains hardly any cutting edge representational work of the time The Fryes collected works by Bierstadt, Twatchman, W.M. Chase,Raschen, von Stuck, Bouguereau, Dahl Etc. Among the 232 paintings in the collection there is one Cassatt, one Thomas Eakins. Charles Frye began collecting in 1893, well after the advent of the Impressionists. But they do not make up a notable portion of the work he sought. So, no....the Fryes were NOT innovative avant- guard collectors ! Currently, due to selling off the land for development, the parking lot is gone and there is no longer free parking. Admission continues to be free, though. Be sure to check what is on exhibition before you go lest you be confronted with a lot of things you do not care for.

  • 3/5 Terry J. 11 months ago on Google
    Meh, was disappointed. Have been to too many great museums so I may just have different expectations.

  • 5/5 JFarris B. 3 years ago on Google
    YES, Go! It's still open. Get your free time ticket online. Great Shows up!!!

  • 5/5 Julie D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great community museum. Entry is free, and they always have some unique displays and exhibits.

  • 5/5 Sophia D. 1 year ago on Google
    Free admission, but donation is encouraged! Intimate museum with lots of wonderful pieces to view. The outdoor courtyard was spacious and lovely!

  • 3/5 Steven S. 1 year ago on Google
    A small free art museum . The major drawback is that it limits its presentation to shows and doesn’t exhibit a permanent collection.

  • 5/5 Victoria M. 1 year ago on Google
    Free art museum. Lovely staff. Love the gift shop. Obsessed with the family collection that is a room filled floor to ceiling with a gallery wall of art. The rotating exhibits aren't ever my favorite. I've only had one exhibit that I really liked and all the others I could live without but it is a free spot so I can never complain about the fun experience.

  • 5/5 Stuart W. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice art museum!!A beautiful little art museum in First Hill.

  • 5/5 Yunhan Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Free museum with masterpieces of art.

  • 4/5 Jenny W. 4 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the exhibits.

  • 5/5 MDH 2 years ago on Google
    It’s small but interesting and engaging. They have a good collection of classical paintings. I enjoy this museum a lot more than SAM. Oh and it’s free!

  • 5/5 Greg C. 3 years ago on Google
    Can't wait for this place to reopen!

  • 5/5 Amber D. 2 years ago on Google
    It's wonderful to have a free art museum that everyone can enjoy. Plus, most of the exhibits rotate so it’s like a whole new museum every few months

  • 4/5 Michael A. 1 year ago on Google
    Charming, high-quality modern art museum. In the smaller side, but the exhibitions change pretty frequently.

  • 5/5 Tim B. 1 year ago on Google
    Always some gem to discover here. By donation. Limited hours, so plan your trip. I can spend hours lost and looking. January 2023 small eclectic collection, mostly closed.

  • 5/5 Bryce P. 1 year ago on Google
    A phenomenal Seattle museum, really great curations of work.

  • 5/5 Harper W. 10 months ago on Google
    Frey is a beautiful building. Designed by Paul Thiry and remodeled sensitively by Sundberg Associates. Intimate setting and free concerts!

  • 5/5 Jonah J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great free place to visit in Seattle. Modern exhibitions + art from the Frye's collection. Gender neutral restrooms and activism-minded art, super enjoyable.

  • 5/5 marvin c. 4 years ago on Google
    I went alowly to try and understand artist works. Amazing and thought provoking..

  • 2/5 Sean W. 6 months ago on Google
    I mean… come prepared for some interesting pieces. An entire exhibit is dedicated to sculptures inspired by female genitalia and Shinto mythology (it’s an entire room full of v*lvas, many of which have middle fingers literally coming out of them). Not family friendly. Overall was not too impressed for that reason alone.

  • 4/5 Anand S. 7 months ago on Google
    Helpful and friendly staff and quite nicely curated works. The museum shop was great too!

  • 4/5 Danita D. 6 months ago on Google
    Interesting and nice museum. Current exhibits are not necessarily my kind of art, but it is interesting to see different types of work. Back rooms were closed for a special event so we didn't see everything.

  • 5/5 Darline A. 4 years ago on Google
    It was great they only had two exhibits available at the time. They were in the process of adding others. But the two we seen was great

  • 3/5 Keith J. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice place wish they would of had something different showing

  • 5/5 Mah Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Favorite place to enjoy art in the city. Easy to navigate and enjoy if you don't have a full day to spend at museums. The Frye collection & temporary exhibitions never disappoint!

  • 4/5 Ben S. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool little art spot, but the walk there from downtown is littered with homeless people giving you the stink eye.

  • 5/5 Gavin E. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing art museum! Great collection! Completely Free!

  • 5/5 veg m. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff and free admission.

  • 5/5 Gette H. 4 years ago on Google
    Completely free, great staff, and it has a really cool gift shop. Very artsy and unique. I felt safe here.

  • 4/5 Maria S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very cool, flexible and eclectic space with multi-media exhibits of a wide range. Gift shop is awesome!

  • 2/5 Michell T. 4 years ago on Google
    Not to my taste. I prefer more traditional art.

  • 4/5 James L. 4 years ago on Google
    Small yet intense museum with everything from classical to avant garde. Free every day, so even if you aren't moved, doesn't cost you anything more than gas money. Parking is a little dicey with all the construction around but not too bad. Probably about 1-2 hours of content, depending on the exhibitions.

  • 5/5 Nancy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Magnificent

  • 5/5 Leslie G. 4 years ago on Google
    We REALLY enjoyed the Eugenie Jones, Jazz in the City, event this afternoon. What a plus with great exhibits to wander around before and after.

  • 5/5 Eva C. 4 years ago on Google
    In addition to its excellent collection and curation, this museum is free, and also very accessible: it is all on one level, there is a ramp to the front door, and they have wheelchairs available for those who need them.

  • 4/5 Nick G. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a small Museum, and I didn't love one of the two installations they had, but it's donation-based admission, with a nice, little cafe. Worth a visit, for sure.

  • 5/5 Clarissa M. 4 years ago on Google
    Free entry, pay to park isn't terrible, close to major buslines, and close to a variety of restaurants for good eats. The exhibitions change every few weeks so it's a good place to keep in rotation.

  • 5/5 Michael D. 4 years ago on Google
    Free musem better than SAM ... And a great cafe to boot!

  • 5/5 e e. 4 years ago on Google
    bought my tickets online, entering was a very smooth process. great art

  • 5/5 Tom M. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting art in a beautiful setting

  • 5/5 Patricia B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Its permanent collection is wonderful, it is worth visiting again every time they change their temporary exhibition (Original) Su colección permanente es maravillosa, vale la pena volver a visitarla cada que cambian su exposición temporal

  • 5/5 Cynthia B. 4 years ago on Google
    I especially love the store there, terrific for gifts

  • 5/5 Justin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Free art and free classical guitar concert.

  • 5/5 Aimee M. 4 years ago on Google
    The staff in the cafe were absolutely refreshing during my trip to Seattle. Everyone was so kind

  • 3/5 Jacob C. 4 years ago on Google
    When I went, there were only two exhibits. One covered the works of Donald Byrd, the other showed how the female form was idolized in the last few centuries. While it critiqued the notion of the ideal female form as white in the informational material, the exhibit itself seemed to reinforce rather than critique that notion.

  • 4/5 Abi S. 4 years ago on Google
    I visited this place a while ago, and though I don't usually go see art museums, I really enjoyed it (especially the free part).

  • 5/5 Rob B. 4 years ago on Google
    Best free thing to do in Seattle!!!

  • 5/5 Caasi A. 4 years ago on Google
    It's free so I'm giving 5 stars! ❤️

  • 5/5 Michelle B. 4 years ago on Google
    A true Seattle hidden gem!

  • 5/5 Royce P. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing works of art here. Happy this is a free museum and I think all museums should be free really. I really had a great time the other day

  • 3/5 George B. 4 years ago on Google
    Nothing special.

  • 5/5 Christy 2 years ago on Google
    First time checking it out on Christmas Eve. Super laid back museum. Free entry. Approx 1 hour (if you like to read the details). Staff were nice and they have a small shop selling local vendors. Street parking only so give yourself some time.

  • 5/5 Red G. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great place for art. I liked the section of the Frye that showed art that was chosen by past art directors. The tour guide was also very informative and interesting. We had a blast.

  • 5/5 Shane H. 4 years ago on Google
    Free museum with quality art. Rather small but but it does change frequently so it's actually nice to be able to see everything in an hour or so

  • 5/5 David K. 2 years ago on Google
    100% free but it's good to donate to keep it open. You can spend 1 to 2 hours easily. They also change out exhibits often.

  • 4/5 Linus G. 4 years ago on Google
    The exhibitions are way smaller than I thought but as a free activity this museum is perfect!

  • 4/5 Katherine T. 2 years ago on Google
    I really loved the exhibit on animals but I wished there were more of the collectors original works on display in addition to the current exhibits. Staff was very helpful and friendly and it was very clean and well organized! I will definitely be back.

  • 2/5 E H. 4 years ago on Google
    Definitely not my preference of art. very modern and eccentric.


Call (206) 622-9250 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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