Open daily, the Burke Museum welcomes all visitors who are curious about the natural wonders of Washington state, the Pacific Northwest, and the Pacific Rim. Discovery awaits you.
Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
On the first Thursday of each month, the museum stays open until 8 pm—and admission is free.
Closed: Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year's Day (Jan. 1), July 4th, Thanksgiving Day.
Early closing: Museum closes at 3 pm on December 24 and December 31.
Weather closure: During inclement weather, call the museum after 10 am (206-543-7907) to confirm it is open.
General Admission
$10 general, $8 senior, $7.50 students (w/ID), and youth (5 & up)
FREE to Burke Members, children 4 and under, and UW staff/faculty/students
Free Admission—First Thursdays
Admission is free to the public on the first Thursday of each month.
Group tours may not be scheduled on these days.
The Burke Museum is on the University of Washington campus at the corner of 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street.
Printable map and directions (PDF file).
From I-5, exit east onto NE 45th Street. Travel east on NE 45th Street to 17th Avenue NE. Turn right onto 17th. The museum will be immediately on your right.
From Highway 520, exit north onto Montlake Boulevard NE. Turn left onto NE Pacific Street. Turn right and head north on 15th Avenue NE. Turn right and head east on NE 45th St. Take your next right on 17th Avenue NE. The museum will be immediately on your right.
There's always something going on at the Burke Museum:
For information, call Metro Transit at 206-553-3000, or consult Metro Online's list of buses to the Burke Museum area, complete with timetables and route maps.
The Burke Museum is located .5 miles north of the Burke-Gilman Trail. Bike racks are located in front of the Burke Museum and on the southwest corner of the building. Use the City of Seattle's Bicycling Guide Map to plan the safest route to the museum on your bike or on foot.
Museum parking is operated by the University of Washington. Enter the UW campus at 17th Ave NE (Memorial Way) and NE 45th Street. Go to the gatehouse to purchase a parking ticket and tell the attendant that you are parking at the Burke Museum. Weekday parking is $15 between 6 am and 5 pm, stays less than four hours are prorated. As you exit campus, go back to the gatehouse to receive the prorated refund. Cash and Visa/Mastercard are accepted. After 5 pm on weekdays and before noon on Saturday parking is $5 with prorated refunds for visits less than 1 hour. Parking is free after noon on Saturday and all day Sunday. During large events such as Husky football games, a special events fee may be charged in some or all areas of campus. For details, see these links:
To make your visit more pleasant, we have listed Burke Museum visitor policies for your convenience in advance of your visit.
Photography
The Burke Museum welcomes visitors to take photographs or digital images for personal, non-commercial use, unless otherwise noted. Excessive flash, tripods, and monopods are not allowed.
Photography may be restricted within Special Exhibit Galleries or other locations; these instances will be clearly marked with "No Photography" notices. Objects on loan to the museum may be subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit photography. The Burke Museum must honor the wishes of our lenders. Visitors will be asked to observe all restrictions.
Prior written permission from the Burke Museum is required for:
The Burke Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises or to reproduce images of objects in its collection.
Note: This is not intended to be a complete list, but a highlight of key policies to assist in your planning.
Phone Number
24-hour (recorded) information: 206-543-5590
To speak to a receptionist, call 206-543-7907 between 8:30 am and 5 pm.
Mailing Address
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Box 353010
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-3010
E-mail: theburke@uw.edu
Accessibility
All facilities are accessible; wheelchairs are available. For other services, contact the University of Washington Disability Office at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (tty), 206-685-7264 (fax), dso@uw.edu (e-mail).
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