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Free First Thursday | Seattle Art Museum

Thu Jan 1 2026

10 am–8 pm

Seattle Art Museum

Photo: Alborz Kamalizad

Call your friends and bring the family, admission is FREE to everyone at the Seattle Art Museum on the first Thursday of every month.

In addition to our regular hours, Seattle Art Museum will be open for Free First Thursday evenings from 5–8 pm to provide more opportunities to visit the galleries for free! Evening hours will feature extra activities like live music, drop-in art making, and in-gallery experiences for visitors.

11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 6 pm | Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

These 60-minute tours meet at the top of the 3rd floor escalators.

5-8 pm | Write a Letter to Your Younger Self with A Space Inside

Brotman Forum

Reflect on your journey as you step into the new year. A Space Inside is a transformative healing arts studio and event space that promotes a sense of community and shared experience within the Black, Indigenous, and POC community in Seattle.

5–8 pm | Jean Chaumont Groove Project

Brotman Forum

French-born guitarist and composer Jean Chaumont is recognized for his expressive and socially conscious jazz. He has performed with acclaimed artists at major festivals and venues across Europe and North America. This evening’s performance will feature Steve Treseler (saxophones), Matt Jorgensen (drums), Dylan Hayes (organ), Dean Schmidt (bass), and Jean Chaumont (guitars).

5-8 pm | Drop-In Build-a-Beast Printmaking Workshop with Brian Lane

South Hall

Use pre-cut printing blocks to create your own creature inspired by A Room for Animal Intelligence on the 4th floor. What story will your imaginary animal tell?

5:30–6:30 pm | SAM Gallery Artist Talk

SAM Gallery

Hear from the local artists featured in SAM Gallery's Depth of Field show.

Free First Thursday Evenings Presented by

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

Related program

Discounts

To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience art, SAM offers monthly free days and various discounts for visiting our locations.

view program

Related program

Free First Thursday

Get free admission on Free First Thursday at all SAM locations and take advantage of extended hours and art programming at Seattle Art Museum.

view program

What’s on at Seattle Art Museum

SAM Gallery Presents: Wax On

Seattle Art Museum

SAM Gallery Presents: Wax On

Wed Feb 4–Sun Mar 1 2026

  

10 am–5 pm

SAM Creates: Figure Drawing

Seattle Art Museum

SAM Creates: Figure Drawing

Feb 14 & 21, Mar 14 & 21, Apr 11 & 18

  

1:30–4 pm

Saturdays at SAM

Seattle Art Museum

Saturdays at SAM

Sat Feb 21 2026

  

11 am–2 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

canceled

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Sat Feb 21 2026

  

11:30 am–12:30 pm

Chanoyu: Tea Culture of Japan Demonstration

Seattle Art Museum

Chanoyu: Tea Culture of Japan Demonstration

Sat Feb 21 2026

  

3–4 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Sun Feb 22 2026

  

11:30 am–12:30 pm

SAM Happy Hour

Seattle Art Museum

SAM Happy Hour

Thu Feb 26 2026

  

5–8 pm

Art Trivia Night with Scott Stulen

Seattle Art Museum

Art Trivia Night with Scott Stulen

Thu Feb 26 2026

  

6–8 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Thu Feb 26 2026

  

6–7 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Sat Feb 28 2026

  

11:30 am–12:30 pm

SAM Films | BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions

Seattle Art Museum

SAM Films | BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions

Sat Feb 28 2026

  

2–4 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Sun Mar 1 2026

  

11:30 am–12:30 pm

SAM Gallery Presents: Viewpoint

Seattle Art Museum

SAM Gallery Presents: Viewpoint

Wed Mar 4–Sun Mar 29 2026

  

10 am–5 pm

Beyond Mysticism Member Preview & Happy Hour

Seattle Art Museum

Beyond Mysticism Member Preview & Happy Hour

Wed Mar 4 2026

  

12–8 pm

Free First Thursday | Seattle Art Museum

Seattle Art Museum

Free First Thursday | Seattle Art Museum

Thu Mar 5 2026

  

10 am–8 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Thu Mar 5 2026

  

11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 6 pm

Spring Educator Open House | Beyond Mysticism

Seattle Art Museum

Spring Educator Open House | Beyond Mysticism

Thu Mar 5 2026

  

4–7 pm

Beyond Mysticism Premier Member Reception

Seattle Art Museum

Beyond Mysticism Premier Member Reception

Fri Mar 6 2026

  

6–9 pm

Saturdays at SAM

Seattle Art Museum

Saturdays at SAM

Sat Mar 7 2026

  

11 am–2 pm

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Seattle Art Museum

Public Tour: Highlights from SAM’s Collection

Sat Mar 7 2026

  

11:30 am–12:30 pm