Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum!

NEW in 2024!

Enjoy FREE admission at both museum buildings, EXTENDED hours, and FREE programming every First Friday of the month at the Whatcom Museum!

In February, we’re celebrating the reopening of the People of the Sea and Cedar exhibition in the Lightcatcher building, which honors the culture, art, and enduring contributions of Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe. This Free First Friday, explore the newly reinterpreted and expanded gallery and join us in welcoming local Lummi violinist and storyteller Swil Kanim and the Blackhawk Singers to the museum.

Lummi Nation Blackhawk Singers
Lightcatcher building | 250 Flora St. | 11 – 11:30 a.m.
The Blackhawk Singers, led by Denise and Lawrence Solomon, will be with us Friday morning for a powerful performance of Indigenous song and dance. Afterward, be sure to head upstairs and tour the expanded and reinterpreted People of the Sea and Cedar exhibition, made possible by guidance from the museum’s Indigenous Advisory Council and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. All ages welcome.

B’Ham School of Music Baby & Toddler Classes at the FIG
Lightcatcher building | 250 Flora St. | 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 12 – 12:30 p.m.
B’ham School of Music is bringing their parent-child classes to the Whatcom Museum each Free First Friday! Classes focus on developing language, motor skills, and socialization through singing, dancing, and playing with instruments. The curriculum is based on the latest research in early childhood education and is designed to help your child reach important developmental milestones.

Swil Kanim, violinist and storyteller
Old City Hall | 121 Prospect St. | 6 – 7 p.m.
We are honored to welcome Swil Kanim back to the Whatcom Museum. He is a US Army Veteran, classically trained violinist, native storyteller and actor, and is a member of the Lummi Nation. His compositions incorporate classical influences as well as musical interpretations of his journey from depression and despair to spiritual and emotional freedom. The music and stories that emerge from his experiences have been transforming people’s lives for decades. All ages welcome.

Exhibitions and galleries are open until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, and the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) is open until 7 p.m.
Headphones and other sensory tools are available at the front desks for guests who require accommodations during their visit.

More information: https://www.whatcommuseum.org/free-first-friday/#february

Access for All Free First Fridays are made possibly by generous support from the Art Bridges Foundation.