Frye Art Museum

Charming private museum with pretensions in inverse proportion to the uniqueness of its programming. I recall with pleasure the exhibitions devoted to the costumes of Nijinsky, the oeuvre of Fairfield Porter--far from the blockbuster exhibitions (and hype) of what large city art museums favor these days. The benefactors, Charles and Emma Frye, ensured that their own private collection be turned into a museum after their deaths and that would be always free to the public. This represents, in my opinion, the kind of public-spirited generosity that Seattities have exemplified for decades (think of Dorothy Bullitt and King-FM, et. al.). The Frye offers varied programming as well--recitals as well as round-table discussions (witness the round-up of the best films of last year, moderated by Robert Horton (KUOW), with local movie critics of the caliber of Sheila Benson, etc.), and guest speakers. The noted author of several books on fin-de-siecle art Bram Dijkstra (Idols of Perversity: Fantasies of Feminine Evil in Fin de Siecle Culture), spoke recently on the Franz Stucke painting in the collection (and other related artworks). The Frye could give the Clark Art Institute (on the East Coast) a run for its money.... Some of the gems of its collection include German and French academic painting of the 19th century, including the famous Franz Stucke painting of female "Sin" as well as some works by the once very popular (and considered sentimental to the point of bathos) Bouguereau, who fell out of favor with the rise of modernism (think abstract painting) in the early 20th century.. A visit to the Frye makes for a relaxed time spent looking at various forms of the visual arts...and you usually do not have to fight the crowds as one would at SAM. more

Rooms of modern paintings and renaissance paintings, no admission fee to get in, and the security guards aren't overzealous like MOMA or SAM. They have a rotating display of a modern painter in the front "lobbys" and their permanent work in the middle, with a room in the back for a guest traveling exhibit. Specializes in paintings, not sculptures, although they do get a few guest sculptures. Give yourself a hour and you'll do fine. more

A nice mid-sized museum, in an architecturally interesting space. For when you have an hour or so to kill and want some good free entertainment. Stop by the cafe for a reasonably priced and bite and you have everything you need. They have some great thought-provoking and real quality exhibits. The permanent collection suffers from gold-frame factor, but still has quality works. Throw them a few dollars in the donation box if you liked what you saw. more

The Frye Art Museum is inconveniently and unfortunately located on Boren and Terry on First Hill, a deplorable area to navigate by foot, car, bicycle, or bus. But once you get inside this totally free art museum you will be met with a nice space and some great work. Of course the art is always changing, but when I was there I saw some real David Horsey drawings. How interesting to see political cartoons in their original ink. The Frye displays all sorts of other world-class art. For free! more

The Frye Art Museum is usually pretty creative in the exhibits they put on. The standing collections are small, but good. But the rotating shows are usually pretty interesting. A while back, they had a great show of David Horsey (the P-I cartoonist) and some of his incredibly funny cartoons. There's a tasty cafe, and best of all, the entire museum is FREE! more

The Frye Art Gallery is my favorite art museum in Seattle. The collections rotate frequently ensuring that even someone who visits a couple of times per year is exposed to new material each time. The galleries are uncrowded and peaceful, allowing the viewer as much or as little time as they would like to view pieces without feeling crowd pressure to move on. The Frye is an unpretentious and un-snobby art museum, making art accessible to al, regardless of background or education in the arts. Most importantly, the Frye is one of Seattle's best bargains since it's FREE. Located not too far off the bus line on the edge of Capitol Hill, leaving your car at home is probably best since parking in this neighborhood is terrible. more

The Frye is a great spot to go to over and over again. Locals and tourists should go there. Check what they have going on in their website and patronize this museum. the Frye is a small, local and quaint museum that will not intimidate or overwhelm those who normally dont enjoy museums. And for those who frequent museums it offers themes that are modern and relevant to the times. more