Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM), a cornerstone of artistic culture in the Pacific Northwest, began as a dream of art enthusiasts in the early 20th century. It materialised into reality through the philanthropic generosity of Richard Fuller and his mother during the Great Depression, marking a significant moment in Seattle’s cultural history. Since its inception, this institution has been a crucible for artistic development, growth, and diversity, housing an expansive collection that spans multiple eras and artistic movements​​.

The museum, which opened its doors on June 23, 1933, was initially housed in an Art Deco/Art Moderne building designed by Carl F. Gould. It started with a modest collection from the Art Institute and grew under the guidance of Richard Fuller, who served as its director into the 1970s. The original collection, along with additional pieces donated by the Fullers, formed the core of SAM’s early exhibitions​​. Over the years, the museum’s collection has expanded significantly, from 1,926 pieces in 1933 to nearly 25,000 by 2008. This growth is paralleled by expanding its facilities and staff, reflecting SAM’s evolution into a major cultural institution​​.

SAM’s dedication to showcasing diverse art forms is evident in its exhibitions, including those focusing on Australian Aboriginal Art. One such notable exhibition was “Ancestral Modern: Australian Aboriginal Art from the Kaplan & Levi Collection,” held in 2012. This exhibition featured over 100 artworks from the late 20th to early 21st century, including paintings, sculptures, and short animations, demonstrating the dynamic and evolving nature of Aboriginal art. The exhibition provided insights into Aboriginal culture, landscapes without horizon lines, paintings about Laws, and portraits of ancestral beings, showcasing a renaissance of the world’s oldest living culture​​.

Today, SAM stands as a dynamic and multifaceted institution. It not only preserves and presents historical collections but also embraces contemporary art movements, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages. Its role in the art world extends beyond exhibition; it’s a place of learning, inspiration, and cultural dialogue, connecting the local community with global art narratives.