Lines formed outside as people came from surrounding neighborhoods, cities, and regions to experience the current Burke Museum one last time (or for the first time for some), reflect on the special memories, and celebrate the future of the Burke Museum in its new home.
Inside the museum, visitors painted a large-scale geologic timeline on the walls, perused galleries, posed for photos with the beloved 17th century French wood paneling backdrop, got face-to-face with the T. rex skull, shared their favorite memories at the Burke, and attended “Tiny Talks” led by Burke staff and volunteers highlighting their latest research and recent (re)discoveries of stories revealed in the process of moving into the New Burke. Special guest artist/storyteller Ty Juvinel (Tulalip) shared his story, “How Mouse Moved the Mountain” with visitors.
We’ve compiled some of our favorite highlights from Final Free Week. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate as we begin this exciting next chapter in the Museum’s 130-year history.
Final Free Week Celebration
Visitors were able to add their own artistic contribution to a large-scale geologic timeline drawing created by artist Jed Dunkerley in the Burke Room.
Visitors of all ages got creative with biology, culture, and fossil-themed hands-on crafts and activities led by the Burke Education team.
Selfie with a sloth? Why not! Visitors had a chance to enjoy their favorite exhibits and galleries.
Burke paleontologists gave visitors a closer look at fossils, including the massive T. rex skull, being prepared in the paleontology workrooms.
Many visitors chose to mark the occasion with a photo in the Burke Boiserie.
While others shared their favorite memories in a special yearbook.
2019 is a big year for the Burke Museum. While we are closed to the public, our team is transporting millions of objects from the current facility to the New Burke. While the distance from here to there is short (just 480 feet), the effort is monumental. Follow us on Instagram to learn what it’s like to move a museum.
As we bring the New Burke to life this year, we invite you to stay in touch for updates, sneak peeks and announcements related to our grand opening. Sign up for email updates.
We want to thank YOU, our visitors and supporters for leaving your mark and being part of the Burke family.
