Burke Museum

Seattle, Washington

About This Project

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle
Date: October 2019, Scope: 113,000 square feet

At long last, the public is experiencing the New Burke’s visionary achievement of a truly “inside-out” museum. Adjacent to dramatic, collections-rich interpretive spaces, visitors can observe behind-the-scenes activities in a new facility that blurs the lines between working labs, collections storage and gallery spaces. The close integration of public and research functions encourages visitors to share and contribute to the knowledge and work of scientists and ethnologists while celebrating the nature and culture of the Pacific Northwest.

Early in 2014, the Burke tapped Evidence Design to realize the visitor experience for an entirely new natural history museum model that reveals its work to the public. Over the years we collaborated with curators, collections managers and the exhibits team, along with Seattle architect Olson Kundig, to achieve this goal and create an exhibition program deeply rooted in the value and study of the Burke’s extensive collections. Galleries filled with specimens and artifacts immerse visitors in the wonder and excitement of understanding our world, while hands-on exhibits and experience alcoves invite visitors to connect science and history to their own lives.

LINK: Burke NEWS