City: Seattle, WA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (206) 623-5124

Address: 719 S. King St. (Central)

Description: This wonderful museum of Asian Pacific American history immerses visitors in its uniquely American stories of survival, success, struggle, conflict, compassion, and hope. In the heart of the vibrant International District, the Wing Luke Museum includes the historic Chinatown hotel where countless Asian immigrants found their first home in Seattle. Its namesake, Wing Luke, came to Seattle from China at six years of age. After serving in the army during WWII and then graduating from college and law school, Luke went on to become the first Asian American to hold elected office in the Pacific Northwest, winning a city council seat in 1962. He fought for civil rights and against discrimination, and was instrumental in fair housing laws. The Wing Luke Asian Museum was founded to fulfill his vision of preserving the history and important issues of Asian Americans. A Smithsonian affiliate, it is the only museum in the nation devoted to the Asian Pacific American experience. Closed Mon.