Thirty Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum
Saturday, February 7, 2026
In celebration of the museum building’s 30th anniversary, you’re invited to explore the story behind the State History Museum. 30 Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum is a special exhibition that uncovers the vision, effort, and community spirit that brought this iconic Tacoma landmark to life.
Discover the bold ideas and architectural ingenuity that shaped the museum’s distinctive look. From early sketches to final blueprints, see how the building’s design reflects both innovation and reverence for Washington’s past. Go behind the scenes of the museum’s construction. Through photographs and artifacts from the building process, witness how a dream took shape—brick by brick, beam by beam.
Staff Picks: 30 Objects for 30 Years
In a special feature area, museum staff share their favorite objects from the collection—each one a personal reflection on the power of history to inspire, surprise, and connect us.
Upcoming Dates
- Sun, May 31, 2026 All Day
- Mon, Jun 1, 2026 All Day
- Tue, Jun 2, 2026 All Day
- Wed, Jun 3, 2026 All Day
- Thu, Jun 4, 2026 All Day
- Fri, Jun 5, 2026 All Day
- Sat, Jun 6, 2026 All Day
- Sun, Jun 7, 2026 All Day
- Mon, Jun 8, 2026 All Day
- Tue, Jun 9, 2026 All Day
- Wed, Jun 10, 2026 All Day
- Thu, Jun 11, 2026 All Day
- Fri, Jun 12, 2026 All Day
- Sat, Jun 13, 2026 All Day
- Sun, Jun 14, 2026 All Day
- Mon, Jun 15, 2026 All Day
- Tue, Jun 16, 2026 All Day
- Wed, Jun 17, 2026 All Day
- Thu, Jun 18, 2026 All Day
- Fri, Jun 19, 2026 All Day
- Sat, Jun 20, 2026 All Day
- Sun, Jun 21, 2026 All Day
- Mon, Jun 22, 2026 All Day
- Tue, Jun 23, 2026 All Day
- Wed, Jun 24, 2026 All Day
- Thu, Jun 25, 2026 All Day
- Fri, Jun 26, 2026 All Day
- Sat, Jun 27, 2026 All Day
- Sun, Jun 28, 2026 All Day
- Mon, Jun 29, 2026 All Day
- …and 104 more
Hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Closed Mondays & some holidays.