Journalists’ Reference Guide

Vibrant Cultural Life

The Puget Sound region boasts one of the most vital and diverse cultural communities in the United States. More arts organizations exist in the Greater Seattle area than in any other region of its size in the country. In recent years, some of the biggest hits on Broadway have had their start in Seattle theaters. In the world of music, the Seattle Opera draws praise from critics around the world, especially for its productions of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. The Seattle Symphony is one of the most recorded symphonies in the country and has received many Grammy nominations for its recordings. The Pacific Northwest Ballet Company opened the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts in Australia. The Seattle International Film Festival is the most heavily attended and one of the most important film festivals in the United States.

Tacoma’s Museum of Glass features a distinctive cone-shaped building and exhibits highlighting a variety of glass art. Linking the museum to downtown Tacoma is the Dale Chihuly Bridge of Glass featuring the artwork of the renowned Northwest glass artist that gives the bridge its name. The Experience Music Project at Seattle Center is an innovative music museum with events and exhibits exploring all facets of modern music. The Seattle Asian Art Museum claims one of the finest collections of Asian art in the country. Seattle Center hosts more than 5,400 performances for 1,500 entertainment, cultural and educational events annually. The region also has dozens of exceptionally diverse smaller organizations presenting high-caliber, innovative work in every field from internationally acclaimed, cutting edge contemporary performance to children’s theater to a fringe theater festival.