Asians and Pacific Islanders have contributed to the growth and culture of Seattle almost from its inception, and this small, interesting museum in Chinatown/International District tells their stories. The main exhibit, “Honoring Our Journey,” explains how they came to Seattle and why and what they did, in an age of rampant racism, once they were here. One exhibit, called “Camp Harmony D-4-44,” focuses on the internment of Japanese-American citizens during World War II, re-creating one of the livestock stalls converted into a family holding cell, barbed wire and all; filmed interviews with internees add a human dimension to this episode in U.S. history. The museum is housed in the historic Freeman Hotel, where many early Asian immigrants lived while working in the region’s canneries and lumber mills. Tours of the hotel add still more insight into the Asian experience in Seattle, and the museum also offers walking tours of the Chinatown and Japan Town neighborhoods, pointing out locations in the bestselling novel Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (Ballantine Books, 2009), a Chinese-Japanese love story set in this area. The museum is named for Wing Luke, the first Asian-American to hold public office in the Northwest.
Seattle› Attraction
Wing Luke Asian Museum
719 S King St.
Our Rating
Hours
Tues–Sun 10am–5pm (until 8pm 1st Thurs and 3rd Sat of each month). Closed New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
Phone
206/623-5124
Prices
$17 adults, $15 seniors. $12.50 students 13–18, $10 kids 5–12; admission price includes tour of historic hotel. Chinatown walking tour (includes museum admission) $22 adults, $20 seniors, $17.50 students 13–18, $15 kids 5–12.
Web site
Wing Luke Asian Museum
Other
Free admission 1st Thurs and 3rd Sat of each month. Closed New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas
Map
719 S King St. SeattleNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.