If you ever find yourself in Seattle looking for something fun to do, the Frye Art Museum might be the perfect spot. It has 232 oil paintings and a gift shop full of creative, art-inspired items like postcards, mugs, and other cute things. The best part? Admission is completely free. The museum is located at 704 Terry Avenue and remains free thanks to Charles and Emma Frye, who left their art collection to the public in their will with the condition that the museum never charge admission. In 2024, the Frye Museum generated more than $10 million in revenue.
Seattle’s art scene is fascinating, and I was especially curious about the Frye Museum because I had never heard of an art institution offering free admission all year round. Many Seattle museums participate in free First Thursdays, but the Frye stands out for its permanent commitment to accessibility.
According to the Frye Art Museum’s website (2025), the museum “connects Seattle with the art and artists of our time.” Founded in 1952, it “collects, exhibits, programs, and builds community around a wide range of modern and contemporary art,” with a focus on amplifying the voices of living artists.
During my visit, I explored several galleries featuring European painters—mostly German, with a few Italian artists. I also viewed the exhibition by local artist Dawn Cerny, which ran from January 25 through June 22, 2025. The museum will soon open new galleries highlighting other local artists.
For my main interview, I spoke with Anna, the Manager of Public Programs, about the museum’s long-term vision, diversity and inclusion efforts, and opportunities for underrepresented artists. While some questions were beyond her scope, she shared thoughtful insight into her role and the museum’s engagement work.
When asked about the curatorial team, Anna explained:
“We have three curators who are constantly researching to find up-and-coming artists and those who are fairly established but haven’t had a major retrospective. We focus on local artists—at least one or two are on display at any given time. There’s lots of research and planning involved as they work with artists. We also host traveling shows; the one coming down now was by Alex Katz from Colby College. We feature a wide variety of media, disciplines, and identities, and we try to find artists whose work connects with our permanent collection. You can see that in the Dawn Cerny show in really interesting ways.”
When I asked how the museum supports underrepresented artists, she replied:
“I’m not sure about the specifics since I’m not part of the curatorial team, but that’s something that’s definitely considered when planning exhibitions.”
On her own work, Anna said:
“I focus on learning engagement and public programs. My job involves helping adult audiences connect with the exhibitions and the arts in general. We design programs tied to current shows, but also offer general enrichment opportunities like mindfulness meditation—two sessions a month on the first and third Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. They’re free and open to anyone; you can drop in for ten minutes or stay for the full half hour. We also offer wellness programs that encourage people to use art as a means of supporting a healthy mindset.”
She added:
“You don’t have to create a masterpiece or have an end goal. Just being around art can have the same beneficial effects.”
Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, the Frye Art Museum offers something for everyone—and at no cost. From classic European paintings to contemporary local exhibitions, free programs, and wellness activities, it’s a space that invites curiosity, reflection, and connection. Thanks to the Fryes’ generosity and the museum’s commitment to accessibility, visitors can enjoy all of this without ever reaching for their wallet—a true gem in Seattle’s vibrant cultural scene.
