Thirty Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum
Monday, August 3, 2026, All Day; additional 29 dates below.
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
All Day
- Mon, Aug 3, 2026
- Tue, Aug 4, 2026
- Wed, Aug 5, 2026
- Thu, Aug 6, 2026
- Fri, Aug 7, 2026
- Sat, Aug 8, 2026
- Sun, Aug 9, 2026
- Mon, Aug 10, 2026
- Tue, Aug 11, 2026
- Wed, Aug 12, 2026
- Thu, Aug 13, 2026
- Fri, Aug 14, 2026
- Sat, Aug 15, 2026
- Sun, Aug 16, 2026
- Mon, Aug 17, 2026
- Tue, Aug 18, 2026
- Wed, Aug 19, 2026
- Thu, Aug 20, 2026
- Fri, Aug 21, 2026
- Sat, Aug 22, 2026
- Sun, Aug 23, 2026
- Mon, Aug 24, 2026
- Tue, Aug 25, 2026
- Wed, Aug 26, 2026
- Thu, Aug 27, 2026
- Fri, Aug 28, 2026
- Sat, Aug 29, 2026
- Sun, Aug 30, 2026
- Mon, Aug 31, 2026
- Tue, Sep 1, 2026
- …and 40 more
Hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
Closed Mondays & some holidays.