Address
1300 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Telephone
206.654.3100
Website
http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/
WHAT I LIKED: Perfect labels for the low vision/no vision audio guide and a good selection of verbal descriptions available online.
WHAT I MISSED: It would be wonderful to have an image of the artwork accompanying the audio guide online.
To read a summary of the blog please click the IN SHORT button.
After a long break from writing about museums, I am finally back at the keyboard and resume my blog with a pleasant memory from 2017.
On our way to Alaska, we had a layover in Seattle, and of course a visit to a museum was mandatory. A nice walk past Pike Place Market and through the city center brought us to the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).
About the Museum
The Seattle Art Museum is located in the center of Seattle, Washington. It maintains three major facilities: its main museum in downtown Seattle (SAM); the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill; and the Olympic Sculpture Park on the central Seattle waterfront.
SAM traces its origins to the Art Institute of Seattle and opened its new facility at the current downtown location in 1995. The building was designed by architect Robert Venturi, and the imposing sculpture Hammering Man by Jonathan Brofsky is a beloved landmark in front of the museum’s entrance.
“Hammering Man“ sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky
Entrance and Galleries
The entrance hall hosts the ticket counter and customer service desk and offers a generous space for temporary art installations. A few more steps, and you can reach the restaurant from here as well. At the coat check, you can take out a magnifier for an enhanced experience in the galleries. Elevators, stairs, and escalators bring you to the art galleries.
Take out or download the low vision map and guide before you enter the galleries. The navigation is easy, and you will have an enjoyable time while visiting this museum.
Joseph Beuys, “Felt Suit.” To listen to a verbal description, dial 206.866.3222, then enter number 93 and press #
Labels, Audio Guides, and VIP Programs
The labels throughout the galleries are good to read and easy to find, which makes the visit very pleasurable. There are even specially-designed labels for low vision visitors, which were an absolute highlight for me! You can find these low vision/no vision labels next to specific artworks. They are in a very large print and can be seen from a distance, so they are easy to find even if you are visually impaired! Thanks to the museum for that! These labels come with a telephone number to help you access a verbal description of the artwork on your phone. I love it!
Different ways to take an audio tour in the museum and at home:
Cell Phone: Dial 206.866.3222 for the free tour. Enter the numbers next to the artworks, then press the # key
Verbal descriptions for different objects can be found online. Enjoy!
App: Download the free STQRY (with a “Q”) app in your app store on Windows, iPhone, and Android smartphones. Open STQRY app, select "Seattle Art Museum," then "stories" tab, then select a mobile tour
Audio Guide Wands are available for rent as well
Special programs for low vision/no vision visitors:
The Art Beyond Sight program offers regular tours of the collection in all three locations for VIP (visually impaired persons). Please check out the calendar.
Preston Singletary, “Killer Whale.” To listen to a verbal description, dial 206.866.3222, then enter number 63 and press #
Last, But Not Least
This museum offers many different ways to experience the collection. Take some time at home to check out the various possibilities before you actually visit or explore the museum from home to enjoy the various verbal descriptions available online.
I have very positive memories of my visit to SAM. I especially liked the easy way to access the galleries and the information of the artworks. I am very happy that there is also a program for people with low vision. For me, these programs enhance my art experience and enrich my life.
El Anatsui, “Takpekpe.” To listen to a verbal description, dial 206.866.3222, then enter number 67 and press #
Sanford Robinson Gifford, “Mount Rainier, Bay of Tacoma—Puget Sound.” To listen to a verbal description, dial 206.866.3222, then enter number 61 and press #