4 Can't-Miss Museum Shows in Burien This Winter

From contemporary and modern art to something a bit more strange or unique, the Burien area museum scene has a little something for everyone. This winter, there’s even more to get excited about thanks to several exhibitions appearing around town. If you’re searching for something to do this winter that will add some culture, knowledge, and excitement to your life, don’t miss these awesome museum shows.

1. John Grade: Middle Fork

Middle Fork is one of the most interesting exhibits to hit Seattle this winter, showcasing the work of local artist John Grade. To achieve the effect of a manmade tree, Grade took a plaster cast of a 140-year-old, 100-foot-tall Western hemlock. Then, using reclaimed cedar wood, he began to make the tree again, creating a piece of art that’s never been seen before. The best part is that you can volunteer to add pieces to the tree from now until the exhibit opens.

This free exhibit starts on Feb. 9 at the Brotman Forum in the Seattle Art Museum and is included with a $24.95 general admission ticket.

2. The Rube Goldberg Collection

You probably best know Rube Goldberg for his complex, cartoonish drawings of chain-reaction machines designed to perform a simple task. (If you can’t think of it off the top of your head, watch the Pee Wee Herman breakfast machine.) With his interesting and sometimes hilarious devices, Goldberg inspired future pop culture, and his name is now synonymous with these machines.

Opening on Feb. 11, the Rube Goldberg Collection at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle features over 90 of his works, as well as some insight into his vision. Admission to the collection comes with a standard ticket, and prices are $25 for adults and $16 for children.

3. Tabaimo: Utsutsushi Utsushi

If you’re a connoisseur of fine Asian art, you won’t want to miss the Utsutsushi Utsushi exhibit at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Japanese artist Tabaimo used eight video installations for the exhibit, with four of them exclusively for the Seattle showing. To obtain a truly unique Seattle vibe, she actually videotaped many of the works located in the museum, which pair eloquently with the videos she created in Japan. Tickets to the museum include access to this exhibit and are $9 for adults, and $5 for students and children. The showing stays open from now through Feb. 26.

4. Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds

Whether you’re a Trekkie or you just love sci-fi, there’s something that’s always intriguing about Star Trek. In the latest exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, you can immerse yourself in everything the famous show has to offer and relive the moments that make the series relevant nearly 50 years after it left network television. In total, there are over 100 artifacts, six original costumes, and even Captain Kirk’s chair from the bridge. Plus, it’s only $5 more to add the experience to your visit, and it runs through the end of February.

With so many awesome exhibits around the Burien area, there’s surely something to pique your interest. Make sure to get out and visit one of these before they’re gone for good.

Image via Pixabay