Visit the longhouse
Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 431-1582 | info@duwamishtribe.org
WE ARE OPEN 6 days a week!
Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Wednesday 10AM–5PM
Thursday 10AM–5PM
Friday 10AM–5PM
Saturday 10AM–5PM
Sunday 10AM–5PM
Monday Closed
About the space
The Duwamish Longhouse now proudly sits near the mouth of the Duwamish River overlooking the Duwamish River Valley, not far from the landing site of early immigrants. It is also near the ancient Duwamish village hah-AH-poos, on the National Register of Historic Places. For millennia before there was a city called Seattle, thousands of indigenous people - the Duwamish Tribe - lived in harmony with the natural surroundings that sustained them. The native animals and plants were a part of their culture and heritage as well as a source of their food and shelter.
The Duwamish Longhouse is a traditional cedar post and beam structure designed in the Puget Salish Longhouse style as collaboration between the Duwamish Tribe and project architect Byron Barnes, a member of the Montana based Blackfeet Tribe. The Longhouse - as in ancient times - is the site where tribal business is conducted and cultural and educational events are held. In addition, the Duwamish Tribe wants to share its Longhouse with the public to reinforce its cultural and social traditions. Monthly special events as well as ongoing workshops, demonstrations and lectures will be available to the public. School tours will provide children with an introduction to the Duwamish Tribe and Salish People.
The Duwamish Longhouse is also an important regional resource for tribal members, researchers, teachers and students interested in Duwamish history and culture. Historic photographs and associated material collected by historians and researchers will also be available. Lushootseed language materials on CDs, tapes, and videos have been researched and compiled by tribal elder, Vi Hilbert. Select pieces from the adjacent ancient villages, on loan from the Burke Museum, MOHAI, and the Port of Seattle are also displayed in secure, humidity controlled display cases with bilingual signage and interpretation. We hope you will come and visit us soon so we can share with you our Longhouse, and the culture and traditions of Seattle's first people - the Duwamish Tribe.
Check out our Events Calendar
Art Gallery & Exhibit Area
Free Admission Policy for Individuals/Families: Everyday is a free museum day at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Free parking. Good will donations are welcome. Closed Mondays.
FIELD TRIPS & LONGHOUSE VISITS
Field trips are currently unavailable. Please continue to check our website to stay up to date on our educational offerings.
TRADITIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
*Educational Programs are currently unavailable*
Our traditional educational programs combine history, art and culture. During their 1-2 hour experience, students participate in the local and Indigenous culture they have been studying. In addition to visiting the “We Are Still Here” exhibit area, we open the door to a deeper understanding of the Duwamish Peoples with traditional songs, dance, and storytelling in the winter cedar longhouse.
Schools will be greeted by a cultural teacher and staff member and provided with a memorable and age appropriate experience. Students may eat their brown bag lunches or snacks in the longhouse after the presentation. Please ensure that students are supervised by a chaperone at all times, especially in the gallery and gift-shop areas. Please contact tours@duwamishtribe.org with any questions or to schedule your visit today.
SELF-TOURS
Alternatively, we offer free self-tours for small groups. The Longhouse provides brief information pamphlets and upon request, a staff member can be available to answer any questions you may have. Self-touring is free, but we do ask that you make a small donation if you are able. Despite being a less-structured tour option, appointments are recommended for all self-tours with more than 10 guests at the longhouse. Please contact tours@duwamishtribe.org with any questions or to schedule your visit today.
METRO FLEX
Pedestrians can use Metro Flex (starting July 22, 2024)
Metro Flex is your on-demand neighborhood transit service.
With one simple app—and just a few taps—you can ride anywhere in the service area, all for the same cost as a bus trip. Metro Flex is convenient, fast, affordable transit at your fingertips. Download the app here
Metro Flex rides cost the same as a Metro bus ride. Pay as you board or show proof of payment to your driver.
Try a FREE ride with Metro Flex! Download the app, enter the sponsored ride code and enjoy four Metro Flex rides. Sponsored ride code must be added to your account by NOVEMBER 30, 2024, and rides must be used by DECEMBER 31, 2024. See you at the Longhouse!
Directions
From Seattle Waterfront (Pier 57):
Head southeast on Alaskan Wy toward University St
Continue onto Alaskan Way S
Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp onto Hwy 99 S/WA-99 S
Take the Harbor Is exit
Continue onto SW Spokane St Bridge
Continue onto SW Spokane St
Keep left to stay on SW Spokane St
Sharp right onto W Marginal Wy SW
Turn right onto SW Alaska St
From Alki Beach:
Head northeast on Alki Ave SW toward 56th Ave SW
Continue on 56th Ave SW to SW Admiral Wy
Turn right onto 56th Ave SW
56th Ave SW turns left and becomes SW Lander Pl
Continue on SW Admiral Wy. Take W Marginal Wy SW to SW Alaska St
Turn left onto SW Admiral Wy
Pass by Bank of America Financial Center
Use the left lane to take the ramp to I-5/WA-99/Harbor Island
Use the left lane to take the ramp to Chelan Ave SW
Continue onto Chelan Ave SW
Continue onto W Marginal Wy SW
Turn right onto SW Alaska St
From West Seattle Water Taxi Pier:
No direct bus service
15 minute bike ride
Learn about the Longhouse:
Visit our Collections Exhibit webpage to lean about the Spirit Returns 2.0 relaunch
Visit our The Longhouse Project webpage to learn about the building
Visit our Duwamish Drum webpage for the most recent news
VIDEO: Duwamish Longhouse’s 15th Anniversary Party (West Seattle Blog, 1/28/2024)
