Galleries and Museums

San Juan Historical Museum
405 PRICE STREET, SAN JUAN ISLAND
PHONE: 360.378.3949

“The purpose of the San Juan Historical Society and its museum is to share and interpret the story of the peoples of San Juan Island. The Historical Society will assemble, collect, preserve, exhibit and make available for future generations historical data, information and artifacts which illustrate the heritage of San Juan Island. Collections, programs and publications will provide for the enjoyment and education of residents and visitors.”

Known as the most Northwestern museum in the continental United States. The San Juan Historical Museum consists of an 1894 Farmhouse, jail, carriage house, barn, root cellar, milk house, log cabin and a Resource Center. Inside each building is an exhibit of early San Juan Island life. The museum also holds many events year round for the public of San Juan Island and it’s visitor and it’s website has virtual tours of past and present exhibits.

The Whale Museum
62 FIRST STREET N, SAN JUAN ISLAND
PHONE: 360.378.4710

The Whale Museum is one of the many curiosities of the San Juan Islands. It is not only an educational outlet for school groups, or anyone that has an interest in whales, but it also has some very interesting exhibits for those just passing through. The Gallery of Whales exhibit teaches visitors about the natural history of whales, especially focusing on the pods of Orca whales that reside in the San Juan Islands.

Among the artifacts surrounding the history of the whales are a family tree of the resident whales, a real whale skeleton and lots of artwork and models. The museum also has many programs such as, Adopt an Orca and many others, helping out the whales in the community.

The museums hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the exception of holidays and it’s annual refurbishment in the winter. General admission is $6.00 and discounted prices are available for students, seniors and groups.

Arctic Raven Art Gallery
130 S FIRST STREET, SAN JUAN ISLAND
PHONE: 888.378.3222

“We are a fine art gallery of Northwest Coast Indian masks, Inuit sculpture and other Eskimo art from the north. Alaskan selections include whalebone and ivory carvings as well as basketry. While located in the Heart of the Salish Sea, we also proudly acknowledge Kwaguilth, Haida and other artists from the northwest coast.”

The Arctic Raven Gallery is located in the heart of the city of Friday Harbor, just one block up from the ferry landing. Their website included photos of the artwork being featured in the current exhibit. They ship anywhere in the world which makes it easy to shop and ship!

Gallery San Juan & Framing
232 A STREET, SAN JUAN ISLAND
PHONE: 360.378.1376

“The gallery was created to show the inspiration the San Juan’s have with the artists whom live in its uniquely beautiful environment. We invite you to join us in the inspiration for art in the San Juan Island’s.”

With their new location and gallery, Gallery San Juan is a very creative asset to the city of Friday Harbor. The Gallery also hosts many other events to support local artists. Their website features an event schedule as well as information on the featured artist.

Waterworks Gallery
315 SPRING STREET, SAN JUAN ISLAND
PHONE: 360.378.3060

“Established in 1985, waterworks represents an eclectic group of contemporary regional artists who work and live in the pacific northwest, including british columbia. featured mediums include paintings, watercolors, works on paper, bronze, ceramic, glass and stone sculpture.”

Waterworks Gallery is open only on the weekends, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Their website is very well deisgned with a schedule of events and artist biographies. It is definitely a gem on the island of San Juan.

Orcas Island Historical Museum
181 NORTH BEACH ROAD, ORCAS ISLAND
PHONE: 360.376.4849

“Our goal is to educate, inspire, entertain and involve our community and visitors in the stewardship of our unique island history. We serve Orcas Island residents and visitors to the island by offering new exhibits, presentations and speakers, tours, research assistance, the annual Historical Day Fair, open house celebrations, regular visitation hours, opportunities for special appointments, newspaper articles and quarterly publications.”

Located in the middle of Eastsound on Orcas Island, the Historical Museum is a perfect place to experience the islands history firsthand through a renovated log cabin home. Every year they put on a new exhibit in addition to five permanent exhibits including early island industries, early stores and post offices and Island Photography. The museum also offers many educational opportunities for school groups and visitors. The museum is open July 7 through September 28 and is open every day except Monday.

The Lambiel Museum
ORCAS ISLAND
PHONE: 360.376.4544

The Lambiel Museum is as described on the website “A Discerning Collection of Works by San Juan County Artists.” And it definitely lives up to its reputation. It began as a small private collection in the home of Leo Lambiel, but eventually grew into an eclectic collection of work inspired by the San Juan Islands. Tours of the museum and grounds are available only by appointment and a small fee will be assessed.

Crow Valley Pottery & Gallery
2274 ORCAS ROAD, ORCAS ISLAND
PHONE: 360.376.4260

“Coupled with an ever-changing collection of works, the diverse selection of artists and media makes each visit to Crow Valley Pottery unique. The summer show series is a “must do” while on Orcas. The “Annual Garden Show each June ushers in the beginning of the summer season.”

Crow Valley Pottery is open at two locations, at their original gallery just outside of Eastsound and their new store location in the heart of town. All of their work is in the true spirit of the islands. The scenic gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through September. The store is open almost everyday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of weekends. Mail and phone orders are welcome year-round.

The Olga Cafe & Artworks
ORCAS ROAD, ORCAS ISLAND
PHONE: 360.376.4408

“The Orcas Island Artworks offers the finest selection of local art and crafts in the San Juan Islands. We represent more than sixty Orcas Island artists and crafts people, working in pottery, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, paintings, prints, wearable art, and fiber. Established in 1981, our gallery is one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the country.”

Olga Cafe & Artworks is open daily mid-February through December, it is just a short walk from the Olga dock and one and 1.5 miles from Moran State Park.

The Right Place Pottery
2915 ENCHANTED FOREST ROAD, ORCAS ISLAND
PHONE: 360.376.4023

“Located on beautiful Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, The Right Place Pottery specializes in personalized plates, mugs, bowls, bells, tea sets, and more.”

The style of the pottery at the Right Place is adorable and very cozy. It is not only a gallery but in the summer season between Memorial Day and Labor Day you can get the whole pottery experience and learn how to use a pottery wheel and create whatever you like! It is a great place for kids and adults alike. Definitely a must-visit on Orcas Island.

The Lopez Island Historical Museum
WEEKS ROAD, LOPEZ ISLAND
PHONE: 360.468.2049

“The mission of the Lopez Island Historical Society is to collect, preserve, share and interpret local history among island residents and visitors in order to increase awareness and appreciation of the resource for the educational benefit of this and future generations. Our vision is of an exciting, welcoming, educational place to learn family and local history, tell our stories, foster respect for our unique island and culture, and serve as a legacy for future generations.”

The Lopez Island Historical Museum is located in the center of town on Lopez Island. It features lots of frequently changing exhibits and maps of Historic Homes of Lopez Island. The museum is open May through September, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and open year round for research projects by appointment.

Stellar Applause Studio
45 EADS LANE, LOPEZ ISLAND
PHONE: 360.468.3732

“Stellar Studio is a working artisan studio and gallery on Lopez Island, cited by the Los Angeles Times as ‘the jewel of the San Juan Islands.’ Yes, we are in the United States, just off the coast of Washington State, and we welcome you to our friendly island served by ferry, boat and plane. We say friendly because Lopez is a small island community, about 2200 full time residents, where everyone knows one another (or thinks they do!) and waves as they drive past.”

Located in Lopez Village, Stellar Applause Studio hosts media including jewelry, lampwork beads and watercolor paintings. The studio also hosts classes and workshops for local artists looking to improve their skills.

Chimera Gallery
LOPEZ VILLAGE, LOPEZ ISLAND
PHONE: 360.468.3265

The Chimera Gallery is located in the heart of Lopez Village and is home to many great local artists. The media is everything from jewelry and ceramics to quilts and handbound books. Check out their website for background on the featured exhibits, a list of featured artists and an image gallery of the work displayed in the gallery.