First Hill, Seattle: Museums, Arts, & Culture

Photo excellence credit: @fryeartmuseum

The Frye Art Museum

The Frye stands out as Seattle's only art museum offering free admission, honoring the legacy of its founders, Charles and Emma Frye. Established in 1952, this beautiful First Hill museum originated from the Fryes' personal collection of 232 European and American oil paintings, notably featuring works from the Munich Secession and Künstlergenossenschaft movements.

A distinctive feature of the Frye is its "Frye Salon," where paintings are displayed floor-to-ceiling, emulating the salon-style exhibitions once held in the Fryes' home. Beyond its historical collection, the museum actively engages with contemporary art, hosting rotating exhibitions that spotlight both local and international artists. The Frye also has a very nice gift shop full of unique art prints, home decor, jewelry, and more.

Recently featured contemporary artists include Jamie Wyeth, known for his haunting portraits and landscapes; Dawn Cerny, who integrates sculptural interventions within the museum's salon-style displays; Alex Katz, celebrated for his bold, vibrant works exploring theater and dance; Hayv Kahraman, whose art delves into themes of identity and diaspora; Mary Ann Peters, focusing on the complexities of borders and migration; and Stephanie Syjuco, who challenges historical narratives through photography and installation.

Visit at: 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

Town Hall Seattle

Housed in a beautiful century-old building that once served as the Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, Town Hall Seattle is a one-of-a-kind cultural hub in First Hill. Since being repurposed in 1999, it’s become a go-to spot for civic conversation, live music, lectures, and all kinds of community gatherings. A major $35 million renovation in 2019 added even more upgrades—think better acoustics, modern amenities, and two main venues: the Great Hall and the Forum, designed to host everything from intimate talks to large-scale concerts.

Town Hall keeps ticket prices low and intentionally designs events to reflect the diverse character of Seattle’s creative and social community. You’ll find a wide mix of programming here that's designed to appeal to all—politics, science, music, literature, history, and more—all under one roof.

Recent events have included a deep-dive conversation on climate action with journalist Mariah Blake, a fascinating talk by Hannah Zeavin on tech and motherhood, and a performance inspired by Moby Dick. They also host a popular annual Town Hall Gala every year, spotlighting influential local leaders making waves in Seattle and beyond.

Visit and explore upcoming events at: 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

The Stimson-Green Mansion

A historic First Hill landmark, the Stimson-Green Mansion is known for its rich architectural detail and deep roots in the city’s past. Built between 1899 and 1901 for Charles Stimson, a successful lumber baron, the house was designed by Kirtland Cutter, one of the Northwest’s most celebrated architects. In 1914, it became home to Joshua Green, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, who preserved much of the mansion’s original character. Today, it’s recognized as one of Seattle’s most important residential landmarks and is maintained by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.

Today, the house now serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, and special events. Its carefully preserved interiors—complete with ornate woodwork, stained glass, and period furnishings—offer a rare glimpse into Seattle’s early elite homes, while still functioning as an active part of the city’s cultural life. In addition to hosting frequent events, the mansion occasionally opens its doors for guided tours, giving visitors the chance to learn about the families who lived there and the role the home played in shaping First Hill.

Visit at: 1204 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Freeway Park

Jim Ellis Freeway Park is a unique urban green space in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. When it opened on July 4, 1976, it made history as the first park built over a freeway—spanning more than five acres above Interstate 5. Designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin and Angela Danadjieva, the park was created to reconnect areas of the city divided by the highway and to bring much-needed green space to the downtown core.

Architecturally, the park is a standout example of Brutalist design, with bold concrete forms, sharp angles, and geometric terraces. These elements are balanced by trees, gardens, and flowing fountains that soften the space and make it feel like a true urban retreat. The layout encourages exploration, with winding paths, hidden seating areas, and open plazas that invite everything from quiet walks to public gatherings.

Over the years, Freeway Park has seen thoughtful updates, including better lighting and refreshed landscaping to make it more welcoming and safe. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 and recognized as a Seattle Landmark in 2022. Today, it continues to serve as a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city—and a model for how cities can creatively combine infrastructure with public space.

Visit at: 700 Seneca St, Seattle, WA 98101

Historic Churches

• St. James Cathedral
  St. James Cathedral, completed in 1907, is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Seattle and one of the city’s most iconic religious landmarks. Known for its grand domes, ornate stained glass, and Renaissance Revival architecture, it regularly hosts religious services, choral performances, and community events. Visit at 804 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

• Trinity Parish Church
  Established in 1865, Trinity Parish is Seattle’s oldest Episcopal parish, and its striking Gothic Revival structure dates back to the early 20th century. The church has long played an active role in local social outreach and is also known for its musical programming and inclusive congregation. Visit at 609 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104.

• Seattle First Baptist Church
  Founded in 1869, Seattle First Baptist Church is housed in a stately Gothic-style building completed in 1912. With a focus on progressive values and social justice, the church is deeply involved in interfaith work and regularly opens its doors for concerts, lectures, and civic gatherings. Visit at 1111 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.

Educational Institutions

First Hill is also home to Seattle University, a prominent Jesuit Catholic institution that has been part of the neighborhood since 1891. Situated on a 55-acre campus that bridges First Hill and Capitol Hill, Seattle University offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across eight colleges and schools, including law, business, nursing, and the arts. The campus is known for its blend of historic and modern architecture, featuring landmarks like the award-winning Chapel of St. Ignatius, designed by architect Steven Holl, and the Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons. In 2024, the university received a significant gift: a $300 million art collection from local developer Richard Hedreen, enhancing its cultural and academic resources.

Additionally, First Hill hosts The Northwest School, a private day and boarding school for grades 6–12 and ecognized for its rigorous academics, strong arts programs, and international student community. Founded in 1980, the school is housed in the historic 1905 Summit School building, a designated Seattle landmark.

Living in First Hill

Stately homes, notable museums, educational institutions, and innnovative green spaces create a unique crossroads of culture and history in First Hill, Seattle. Explore living here at The Victor, offering modern new luxury apartments and upscale amenities in the heart of this unique neighborhood near downtown.