The magnificent museum complexes are located in the heart of Bellingham’s art district. A lovely place to visit if you’re ever in Bellingham. The numerous arts and nature on display at the Whatcom Museum inspire creative, educational, cultural, and even historical thoughts in people of all ages. Exhibits of ancient collections are displayed, and the museum receives over 70,000 visitors each year.
The museum depicts Bellingham’s rich history as well as the unique history and cultures of other countries. The Old City Hall building, built in 1892, is the most visible of the three complexes. This victorian-style red brick building, saved from demolition in 1941, houses a large number of photographs on display from the top floor down to the main floor. The main floor features exhibitions of Birmingham’s historic past, while the second floor features highlights of Birmingham’s maritime heritage. Visitors are connected to the rich traditions of the land as well as the histories that made up other nations through photographs, monuments, and artworks. The maritime tradition is detailed through photographs and paintings, interactive artworks and models, for a better understanding of the pasts.
The Syre Education Center, located next to the Old City Hall, was built in 1926 as the City of Bellingham’s fire hall. This structure has classroom demonstration spaces to serve schools on field trips. Because of the permanent exhibits, touring the hall during such a school excursion is made simple. The “Birds of the Pacific Northwest” collection, which was previously displayed at the old city hall, now graces the Syre Center. The second hall of the center houses historical photo exhibits, which are all open to public scrutiny and research. Furthermore, visitors are permitted to copy any of the photos, which could be used as a welcome gift for family or friends.
The Lightcatcher Building is the Museum’s third and most recent addition. It is a massive magnificent building that stands 42,000 square feet tall and houses a diverse family interactive gallery. There’s a lot to see at the Lightcatcher building, including exhibits of tribes and cultural representations of events in what is now known as Whatcom County. To support academic learning and students, as well as pupils on excursion, the museum has learning features that are available to people of all ages. The video aids provided make it simple to relate events from the past to the present.
Still on the Lightcatcher building are living arts in the form of hand-made cedar hats that bring one into remembrance of family histories and ancestors.
You can also take advantage of the nearby arts district’s music, buzz, and merriment.
The Oyster Bar, just south of Bellingham, is a recommended eating spot after leaving the Museum. The delicious meal, assorted drinks, and tranquil atmosphere will inspire you to create memories.