SEATTLE, Wash. — Downtown’s Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is about to look a whole lot different, as the museum announced its new building changes Wednesday.
Starting Saturday, the first phase of the historic art museum’s new transformation kicks off with the addition of Bar Dojo.
Bar Dojo is a Chino Latino restaurant and will officially open Oct. 17. SAM notes that the bar’s hours will extend past the museum’s hours.
A terrace that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces of Bar Dojo will also join the museum in 2027, according to SAM.
In addition to a brand-new restaurant, SAM is opening Chase Open Studio, a space designed for school groups and daily “art-making activities.”
Besides new additions, some old portions of SAM are being revamped and reopened. The museum’s Second Ave and University Street entrance is finally returning after 30 years.
An additional entrance is opening up near the “Hammering Man” off First Ave and University Street.
With the two new entrances and additions, SAM’s gift store, the SAM Shop, will be moved near the Brotman Forum.
As construction continues, “color-coded” markers and curved walls have been added to help better direct museum visitors.
“Creating a welcoming, vibrant environment encourages people to stay longer, return more often, and build lasting relationships with the museum,” SAM CEO Scott Stulen said in a press release. “At the same time, investments in dining, retail, and SAM Gallery create sustainable revenue that supports the art, exhibitions, programs, and experiences at the heart of SAM.”
SAM will stay open as the project continues, with construction planned to mostly happen during Mondays and Tuesdays, when the museum is closed.
All exhibits will go as planned. The full remodel is planned to be finished by April 1, 2027, according to SAM.
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