Galería General del Museo Nórdico de Seattle

I hate to do this, truly. Because the entire museum is being reviewed due to one self important narcissist who ruined the experience. We moved out of Ballard 8 years ago and I always lamented we just missed the opening of the museum. Last week, we were back and got to go (after visiting each Scandinavian country in person) The website informed of a Northern Lights exhibit that I couldn't find so I stopped at the front desk. Odin (NOT the self important employee but still an incredible name and very nice chap!), who was nice as could be told me about it, and told me to return later in the evening where I could look through the windows or see it before the museum closed as it was not visible during the day. It's on a timer, he said. So we left and drove back across town after dark (Saturday, April 18th). As I approached the front door, people were walking in and out of the museum. I was looking through the window when the security guard came over, opened the door and asked if he could help, I told him what Odin had said and I just wanted to pop in for 60 seconds to look at it (the lobby was empty but for a bar setup, a bartender and someone I'll dub Mr. Self Important near the gift shop). The security guard (another nice gentleman) asked Self Important if I could enter, he yelled "Tell him we're closed", his highness stated, without addressing my plebeian self directly. I explained Odin told me I could come back (using his name so they knew I had actually spoken to someone) and quickly take a look, I'd only be 60 seconds to which Mr. Self Important shouts, "Maybe you're making that up. We're closed!" Maybe I'm making that up...? What would be my incentive? So I could see the artistic light display that the museum sunk a reasonable amount into? More importantly, why is it your default to accuse paying guests of lying? That's how you treat people who want to admire it? The team inside opened the door to greet me so I asked if I could pop in to see the lights. It hurts none to be kind and just because you can exert your (laughable version of) "power" doesn't mean you should. The whole thing left me with a very sour taste (enough to decide to write a review 5 days later) and due to that exchange, I wish I hadn't come. Just shameful behavior.

Visiting the National Nordic Museum offers two great experiences in one stop. Just outside, you can snap photos with Frankie Feetsplinters, part of the Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King. Inside the museum, the exhibits are beautifully presented with photos, displays, dioramas, short films, and stories highlighting the culture, history, and sustainability efforts across the Nordic region. Having a little Swedish heritage myself, I found the experience especially grounding and informative. 🇸🇪 Great experience for the afternoon. Allow 1 -2 hours.

Really enjoyed this museum, I just wish there was more of it. The number of artifacts was fantastic! However, I feel as though they could have gone more in depth as far as the history was concerned. Either way, it was enlightening and enjoyable. Allow yourself about 1.5-2 hours.

+3

Plenty of interesting items and information about Nordic culture, art, history, and the heritage of the area's Nordic immigrants. Admission: $20 for adults $16 for seniors (age 65+) $16 for college students $10 for youths (ages 5 - 18) Free for children (ages 0 - 4)

+9