Bellingham’s art scene is everywhere. Take to the outdoors for murals and sculptures, head indoors for curated displays, or relax at a world-class show. Even local ice cream shops are a destination to check out art while you wait for a scoop.
Be sure to sign up for our Whatcom County Arts and Culture Crawl Quest Pass so that you won’t miss a thing during your visit! This free mobile pass gives you access to a curated collection of outings (plus insider discounts!) that guides you through the arts and heritage of this area.
1. Bellingham’s Downtown Arts District
Start your artsy exploration of Bellingham in the Downtown Arts District where there is a variety of venues located within walking distance of each other.
Whatcom Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate featuring national-caliber visual art exhibitions, regional culture, and local history in two buildings: the modern Lightcatcher and the vintage Old City Hall. Visual Arts are also the focus at the Allied Arts of Whatcom County Gallery and Mindport Exhibit.
Performing arts take the stage at the Mount Baker Theatre, which showcases national traveling music, performers, and theater acts. Independent and documentary film is the focus of the Sundance affiliated Pickford Film Center. Unique to the area, the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention features a shocking electrical show tracing the history of currents that power our modern world, culminating in a 4-million-volt arc of lightning, and the largest collection of antique radios in the United States.
2. Western Washington University’s Outdoor Sculpture Tour
Art has a way of calming the mind and spirit, as does getting outside in the elements. Sunshine, rain or overcast skies compliment Bellingham’s outdoor sculpture art exhibits. The Western Gallery collection of pieces on the Western Washington University campus is one of the top 10 outdoor sculpture collections in the nation and is easily walkable.
Big Rock Sculpture Garden is a City of Bellingham Park featuring 35 permanent works by distinguished international and local artists. Both Big Rock Garden and the Western Gallery's collection feature exhibits that are great for kids; art feels so much more accessible when you can touch it and climb on it!
Walking around Bellingham, you'll notice lots of color on the sides of buildings and in alleyways. In large part, these murals and street art are thanks to Bellingham artist, Gretchen Leggitt. Over the past several years, Gretchen has worked on pieces all over town. From Boundary Bay’s Cedar Dust Alley to the largest mural in Washington State (located on Puget Sound Energy’s Encogen Facility) that spans the length of two football fields, Leggitt is leaving her mark on the city and making it more beautiful at the same time.
Bellingham’s Fairhaven Village is home to numerous art galleries that are open daily, featuring pottery, woodworking, glass, and painting. Stop by Peter James Photography Gallery in Fairhaven’s Orca Building for the best of Washington! James’ gallery features a variety of breath-taking shots of Bellingham and Whatcom County, as well as photos from all over the Pacific Northwest.
Stroll Harris Avenue to see Good Earth Pottery, Gallery West or Artwood each featuring hundreds of locally crafted pieces. These unpretentious galleries offer friendly and helpful staff.
Travel Tip: Don’t forget to stop by Village Books and Paper Dreams, Bellingham’s locally owned community-based bookstore for locally made art, and souvenirs!
Don't just trust us, check out Bellingham for yourself! We're giving away a chance to win a 2-night stay at Hotel Bellwether, a whale watching tour from San Juan Cruises and a flight for two on Southwest Airlines from LAS to BLI. Click HERE to enter!