ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT IN SEATTLE IN 2024

Søren Solkær.

National Nordic Museum Presents Søren Solkær: Sort Sol

The National Nordic Museum proudly presents Søren Solkær: Sort Sol, featuring over 50 photographs and video art by internationally celebrated Danish photographer, Søren Solkær. Sort Sol is the first exhibition of this series in a US museum. In Sort Sol, the renowned photographer of musicians such as Paul McCartney, Amy Winehouse, and The White Stripes turns his lens to music-makers of a different sort: starlings that flock in mesmerizing formations known as murmurations. The Danish term “sort sol” refers to these formations, the forms of which temporarily obscure the sun. The exhibition is open through to March 10, 2024.
Media Contact: Andrea Millikan, marketing@nordicmuseum.org

Museum of Illusions Set to Open in Downtown Seattle in 2024

The Museum of Illusions is set to take over the former Ben Bridge space in downtown Seattle’s historic Skinner Building. A new interactive museum, known for their unique approach to “edutainment.” Designed to captivate your senses, challenge your perceptions, and ignite your imagination. With mind-bending exhibits and interactive installations, you will embark on a journey of wonder and discovery. The museum is set to open in 2024.
Media Contact: franchising@museumofillusions.com

SIFF Cinema Downtown Reopens for Business

The former Seattle Cinerama Theater is the fourth Seattle venue to be operated by the nonprofit, opening under SIFF’s leadership after a four-year closure. Now owned and operated by SIFF and called SIFF Cinema Downtown, it reopened for business on December 14, 2023. SIFF Cinema Downtown will feature blockbuster studio films, specialty festivals and events, and first-run arthouse cinema, plus reserved seating selection with concessions including the venue’s beloved chocolate popcorn and support from multiple local Washington vendors.
Media Contact: Madison Zimmerman, press@siff.net

Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King

Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King

Acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo created an ambitious public art project titled Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King. The publicly accessible sculptures are located around the Pacific Northwest (six of the ten trolls are in the Pacific Northwest; five in the Seattle area) where each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story. The project celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions. Unveiled in fall 2023, the trolls will be accessible for three years.
Media Contact: Line Larsen, line.larsen@scandesignfoundation.org

Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Exhibits and Displays

Pulling Together: A Brief History of Rowing in Seattle (Nov. 2023 – April 2024): In celebration of the hotly anticipated premiere of “The Boys in the Boat” film directed by George Clooney, explore a selection of rare artifacts and photographs related to the 1936 Olympic gold medal-winning rowing team from the University of Washington. Learn more about the team, the legacy of the Pococks, the University of Washington men’s and women’s rowing programs, and the history of rowing in Seattle. Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge. Shared Science (Oct. 7, 2023 – March 3, 2024): Explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge and its intersection with scientific advancements. Through interactive displays, immersive experiences, and videos, guests will embark on a journey that celebrates the enduring wisdom of Indigenous cultures while highlighting their contribution to scientific inquiry. Guests will learn how Indigenous knowledge impacts our daily lives and contributes to the growing movement toward sustainability and the reclamation of age-old practices.
Media Contact: Wendy Malloy, Wendy.Malloy@mohai.org

Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience

Created by Visit Seattle in partnership with Chihuly Garden and Glass, the annual Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience is the premier glass festival spanning four days across dozens of locations throughout the greater Seattle region. During Refract, glass art enthusiasts and newcomers will enjoy artist parties, exclusive open studio tours, special gallery exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and intimate glassblowing demonstrations not offered at any other time. The festival returns in October 2024.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org

The Henry Art Gallery Debuts Hank Willis Thomas’s LOVERULES

LOVERULES

This groundbreaking exhibition brings together nearly 100 works by well-known artist and activist Hank Willis Thomas. Through photography, print, sculpture, neon, and mixed media, LOVERULES explores the impact of corporate branding; the construction of gender, race, and race relations; stereotypes and exploitation; and the struggle for liberty and equality. In his art, Thomas invites us to see and challenge systems of inequality and to explore important contemporary questions: What is the role of art for civic life? How does visual culture create narratives that shape our notion of who counts in society? LOVERULES will travel to other museum venues in the U.S. after its debut at the Henry Art Gallery – located on the University of Washington’s beautiful campus. A public opening celebration will take place on February 23, 2024, and run February 24 through July 21, 2024.
Media Contact: Tanja Baumann, TanjaB@henryart.org

Seattle Museum Month Returns February 2024

For the entire month of February, visitors to the Emerald City can receive half-price admission to the region’s top museums as part of Seattle Museum Month. Each pass is good for 50% off admission for up to four guests, with no limit to the number of museums guests can visit. To snag a pass, visitors can book a room at a participating hotel in Seattle (over 60 hotels participate) from February 1 through February 29. seattlemuseummonth.com
Media Contact: Elsa Remak, eremak@cplusc.com

Teatro ZinZanni Residency at Lotte Hotel Seattle

Teatro ZinZanni Residency

Experience a new residency from Seattle’s beloved Teatro ZinZanni, a legendary theatrical cirque experience, at Lotte Hotel Seattle, a premiere luxury hotel in downtown Seattle. This one-of-a-kind holiday run of performances brings together two iconic Seattle brands during Teatro ZinZanni’s 25th anniversary year, promising an opulent, world-class extravaganza in the breathtaking setting of the hotel’s largest venue, the Grand Ballroom in The Sanctuary. The Teatro ZinZanni dinner and show experience runs October 12 through March 31, 2024. zinzanni.com/seattle
Media Contact: Katherine Boury, katherine@michellesanderspr.com

Seattle-Focused City of Literature Map and Guide Now Available

Seattle was named a UNESCO World City of Literature in 2017, a coveted and competitive designation that is part of the global Creative Cities Network. Seattle is one of 42 such cities in 32 countries and one of only three Cities of Literature in North America. In spring 2023, the City of Literature organization published a new map and guide to explore Seattle’s literary locations. seattlecityoflit.org/seattle-literary-map-home
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org

New Glass Art Guide to Seattle and the Puget Sound Region

According to a study by the Glass Art Society of America, the Pacific Northwest is the leading regional hub for glass art in the United States. This free guide, newly updated in 2023, helps visitors discover the museums, galleries, education programs, and master artists working in glass art in all of its forms. This was published in June 2023.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org

sdukwalbixw Gift Shop and Visitor Center Opens at Snoqualmie Falls

The Snoqualmie Tribe and Salish Lodge & Spa have partnered on sdukwalbixw, a new gift shop and visitor center, located just steps from the majestic Snoqualmie Falls. The new space provides an immersive education of the Snoqualmie Tribe and their connection to the surrounding ancestorial land to the nearly 2.5 million annual visitors to Snoqualmie Falls and Salish Lodge. A main focal point is an informational installation featuring a timeline wall and a miniature theater that shares the story of the Tribe’s history and origin. The space is also decorated with artwork and photographs that celebrate the Tribe’s ancestral land, history, culture, and people. Additionally, delicious locally made treats and Snoqualmie Creamery ice cream by the scoop are available for purchase – do not miss the Damn Fine Cherry Pie ice cream, a nod to the popular cult classic Twin Peaks, which features Snoqualmie Falls. salishlodge.com/area/snoqualmie-falls-gift-shop-and-visitor-center
Media Contact: Joleen Zanuzoski, joleenz@greenrubino.com

Seattle Rep Announces 2023/24 Season

Intimate stories. Interwoven music. Breathtaking physicality. This, and much more, is what you can expect upon your return to Seattle Rep for an all-new season in fall 2023. The upcoming season features productions such as The Tempest, Passengers, Islander, Little Women, Quixote Nuevo, Sanctuary City, and Fat Ham. Next year, Seattle Rep will celebrate the return of beloved Seattle icon and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Jinkx Monsoon with musical prodigy Major Scales in a new show called “Together Again, Again.” Season subscriptions are on sale now on their website and through Seattle Rep’s Patron Services Office at 206–443–2222. seattlerep.org
Media Contact: Allison Dunmore, allison.dunmore@seattlerep.org

Calder: In Motion Debuts at Seattle Art Museum

Calder: In Motion

The first in a multi-year series of exhibitions and outreach programs centered on a transformative gift is coming to Seattle Art Museum. Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection will be the first comprehensive public display of 48 seminal works from every decade of American artist Alexander Calder’s career, including iconic mobiles, stabiles, standing mobiles, wire sculptures, a constellation, and works on paper, as well as a significant oil painting. The exhibition will offer an extensive look into the prolific output of Calder (1898-1976) and will be accompanied by a new catalogue and robust programming made possible by the Shirleys’ gift, including school visits and family programs serving Seattle’s diverse public, driven by partnerships with community organizations. The inaugural exhibition is curated by José Carlos Diaz, Susan Brotman Deputy Director for Art. The multi-year program was established with the goal of expanding knowledge, appreciation, and access to these critical works. The exhibition runs November 8, 2023 – August 4, 2024. seattleartmuseum.org/Exhibitions
Media Contact: Rachel Eggers, rachele@seattleartmuseum.org

The Crocodile Showcases Diverse Lineups at New Location

After saying goodbye to its famed location in late 2021, The Crocodile has reopened in Belltown in the former El Gaucho building. The new multi-use space includes an 18-room hotel and a multivenue entertainment complex that expands The Crocodile’s footprint on the local concert landscape. The old-school steakhouse’s central dining room is The Crocodile’s new 750-capacity main room. A selection of upcoming shows to look forward to at thecrocodile.com.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org

Catch a Broadway Show at The Paramount

Seattle’s theater scene is one of the most renowned in the U.S. Premera Blue Cross Broadway at The Paramount will bring the critically adored Hadestown (October 31-November 5) and the multi-Tony Award-winning MJ the Musical (December 7-17) to the Emerald City to close out 2023. In 2024, travelers can catch Broadway productions like Beetlejuice (April 2 – 7, 2024), Disney’s Aladdin (April 24 – 28, 2024), Girl From the North Country (June 25 – 30, 2024) and Company (July 23 – 28, 2024). seattle.broadway.com
Media Contact: Rachel Liuzzi, rachell@stgpresents.org

The 5th Avenue Theater Announces 2024 Programming

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America’s leading musical theater companies. In 2024, travelers can check out shows like Something’s Afoot (March 1-24, 2024), Spring Awakening (June 7-30, 2024), and Clue (July 9-21, 2024).
Media Contact: Ann Reynolds, areynolds@5thavenue.org

Northwest Native Canoe Center to Open Carving House in 2024

Carving House

The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is developing a Carving House on South Lake Union to revitalize and educate people about Pacific Northwest canoe culture. According to the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation’s website, “for thousands of years, the Coast Salish people were stewards of the land and water. The waterways were the highways between all. This led to a vibrant and extensive canoe culture for the first peoples of this land. The Carving House will provide insight into distinctive varieties of Native American culture and be a place where Native carvers are safe, and the public is welcome. The facility will provide space for an ongoing Native American canoe carving program, and storage for canoes. Docents will also explain the Northwest Native American skills and beliefs used over generations in building canoes.” Construction for the project will begin in early 2024.
Media Contact: Zain Aldahlaki, Zain.Aldahlaki@seattle.gov

Cloudbreak Returns for Its Third Year in 2024

Introducing a new model to music festivals, Cloudbreak: Seattle’s Citywide Live Music Fest gives people staying at participating Downtown Seattle hotels free access to select concerts throughout the city. The nearly monthlong festival during November, is a collaboration between Visit Seattle, King County, and the City of Seattle that celebrates the city’s vibrant live music scene. 2024 will mark the festival’s third year. cloudbreakmusicfest.org
Media Contact: Kau’ilani Robinson, krobinson@visitseattle.org

Bumbershoot: Seattle’s Arts & Music Festival is Officially Back

Following a successful return and 50th anniversary celebration in 2023, the beloved Bumbershoot has re-emerged as a Seattle-celebratory arts & music festival. Music lovers are already eager for the Labor Day weekend festival’s 2024 return.
Media Contact: Jessica Puchli, jessicap@grandstandhq.com

Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience

Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience

Created by Visit Seattle in partnership with Chihuly Garden and Glass, the annual Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience is the premier glass festival spanning four days across dozens of locations throughout the greater Seattle region. During Refract, glass art enthusiasts and newcomers will enjoy artist parties, exclusive open studio tours, special gallery exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and intimate glassblowing demonstrations not offered at any other time. The festival returns October 17-20, 2024.
Media Contact: Cory O’Born, coborn@visitseattle.org

* Visit Seattle and Washington State Tourism