The National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood explores Nordic history and culture, including the experiences of Nordic immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. Its permanent galleries and visiting exhibitions offer a look at the five Nordic countries, from early history to contemporary art and society.
- Location: 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107, in Ballard.
- Typical hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Last entry: 30 minutes before closing.
- Admission: Check the museum’s official site for current ticket prices and conditions.
What the museum covers
The museum covers Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, placing Nordic history alongside the experiences of Nordic immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. Its galleries trace themes from early records through contemporary Nordic society.
Founded in 1980 as the Nordic Heritage Museum, it moved into its purpose-built facility on NW Market Street in 2018 and took the name National Nordic Museum in 2019. Outside the entrance, Frankie Feetsplinters—a hand-built wood troll by Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo—offers a distinctive landmark.
Exhibitions and collections
The permanent exhibition follows Nordic themes and history from early records to the present, while visiting exhibitions bring contemporary art and design from Nordic countries. Together, they connect historical material with current creative work.
Project Aurora, an immersive 20-foot wall of light by Ginny Ruffner, is another feature of the museum. If you’re planning a broader museum day, the guide to art museums in Seattle covers options from North Seattle.
Hours, admission and access
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. The museum also closes on major holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours and holiday schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Confirm current admission prices and ticket conditions before you plan your visit. The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers assistance for hearing and physical disabilities. You’ll also find assistive listening systems, gender-neutral bathrooms, baby-changing stations and multilingual staff.
How do you get to the museum from North Seattle?
The museum is at 2655 NW Market Street in Ballard. From Crown Inn, it is about a 12-minute drive; a motel in Seattle is a starting point for making that trip.
Metro bus routes 28, 40 and 62 serve the museum, with a stop at NW Market Street and 28th Avenue NW. Check current transit details before you set out.
Paid parking is available on the south side of the museum building, and bike racks are available. The museum is within walking distance of the Ballard Locks and Ballard Bridge, so you can combine a museum visit with time at either landmark.
FAQs
Where is the National Nordic Museum?
It is at 2655 NW Market Street, in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.
What countries does the museum cover?
The museum focuses on Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, alongside Nordic immigrant experiences in the Pacific Northwest.
Is the museum open on Thursdays?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Yes. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Does the museum have accessibility features?
Yes. It is wheelchair accessible and offers assistance for hearing and physical disabilities, along with assistive listening systems and other visitor features.