Where to Go for Cultural Tourism in Olympia WA

If you’re a tourist visiting the Olympia area, you want to be sure that your visit will include experiences that will expand your horizons. Fortunately, there are several cultural institutions in this city that are perfect for anyone interested in learning or trying something new.

Monarch Sculpture Park

For culture-seeking tourists looking to have a great time in Olympia, there’s no better place to visit than Monarch Sculpture Park. This center for the arts features a variety of interesting exhibits you aren’t likely to find at other institution, and because much of the artwork is outdoors, you can browse the sculptures while enjoying nature at the same time.

The best reason to visit Monarch Sculpture Park is to browse the collection of more than 100 contemporary sculptures, but a beautiful Japanese garden is perfect for exploring, as is a hedge maze in the shape of a butterfly. You can spend hours exploring the park and not see it all, so you may want to visit multiple times so you can experience this institution in its entirety.

Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library & Research Center

The Squaxin Island people have been in the South Puget Sound area for countless generations and are inextricably linked to the region. If you’re interested in learning more about the legacy and tradition of the tribe, the best cultural tourism spot for you is the Squaxin Island Tribe Museum Library & Research Center.

The exhibits at the center tell the story of the Squaxin Island Tribe, covering everything from tribal artifacts to everyday practices of their ancestors. After touring this institution, you’ll have a deep appreciation for these native peoples and their importance to the area.

Childhood’s End Art Gallery

For art enthusiasts, Childhood’s End Art Gallery is perhaps the best cultural institution to visit in Olympia. For over 40 years, this gallery has been one of the top destinations for anyone interested in experiencing art from the Pacific Northwest, and they also feature craftwork from artists across the country.

Ceramics and glass work are the main focus of this gallery, although they also feature other mediums, such as woodwork and paint. When you visit, you can tour one of the regular exhibits, and you may even want to stop by the store so you can take home a souvenir.

Historic Locations

History plays a big part in culture, and in Olympia, there are several interesting historical locations you may be interested in visiting. The Bigelow House Museum, for instance, is one of the oldest residences in the city and is dedicated to the history of the town and its residents.

The Olympia Artesian Well is another interesting historic site in this community. Once located on the site of a railroad station, the well dates as far back as 1895, and it still serves as a spot where residents of and visitors to Olympia can get a cool drink.

Olympia is one of the best spots in Washington for cultural tourists, featuring a variety of interesting museums and art galleries. You can visit any of these spots and learn something new almost every time.