The Henry Gallery at the University of Washington celebrates art and photography from the mid-nineteenth through the 21st centuries, and it’s a popular choice among the city’s many art museums. Seattle is a destination that is known across the country for its creative slant and cultural offerings, and the museums are one way for visitors to immerse themselves in this culture. The university and its surrounding neighborhood, the U District, are draws in their own right, but this stunning art collection is not to be missed if you’re in the area.

The Henry Art Gallery Seattle opened in 1927, when local business leader Horace C. Henry donated funds and a collection of paintings to the University of Washington. In 1997, a major renovation and expansion took place, quadrupling the size of the gallery. Today it is an incredible facility complete with an auditorium, café, multimedia gallery, and outdoor court.

The Henry Gallery is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open the rest of the week. On Thursday and Friday the gallery has extended hours until 9 pm, if you want to visit in the evening. There is a general admission fee, but the museum is free for high school and college students, as well as on the first Thursday of the month for all visitors. If you plan to spend a long time browsing the collection, the on-site Molly’s Café is a perfect spot to refuel during a visit to the gallery.

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The permanent collection at the Henry Art Gallery includes works such as photography, landscape paintings, nineteenth-century prints, and Japanese ceramics. If you’re interested in contemporary art, check out the listing of current exhibitions—there are rotating displays as well. If you’re interested in other places in Seattle to satisfy your art craving, consider visiting the Frye Museum and the Asian Art Museum.