It’s been a couple of years in the works, but the new Burke Museum is back. And you won’t believe the transformation.

To celebrate, the museum is throwing a grand opening party with singers, dancers, poets and DJs. You can join in on the fun as the festivities kickoff Saturday, October 12 starting at 10am.

There will be plenty to experience outside on the impressive Burke Yard. The new outside addition creates the perfect gathering space and grand entryway into the museum. Lined with 80,000 native plants and grasses, the new outdoor plaza stretches out alongside the museum.

But, the real show takes place inside. The $99 million construction project has more than doubled the Burke’s original space.

A window into the work

The added space means you get to see more of the Burke’s expansive collection. In fact, you can peek into a dozen visible labs as staff members research and catalog the museum’s collection.

On a recent media tour, I staked out my favorite spot in front of a large window that opened up to the prep lab. Certainly, the “behind-the-scenes” look provides a front row seat into how animals are processed and prepared for the museum collection.

It may not be for everyone, but animal specimen prep is an integral part of any natural history museum. I have a feeling this window will be a big hit, especially with the younger set.

A grand experience

But first, you have to enter through the grand atrium where you’re greeted by a 10,000 year-old mastodon, and other rare skeletons. The atrium gives way to a sprawling three-story mural which is best taken in from each floor of the museum.

With a half of dozen galleries spread across 113,000 square feet, the new Burke Museum is impressive, to say the least.

Off The Rez goes brick-and-mortar

Looking at 16 million objects housed at the New Burke can really work up one’s appetite. Lucky for you, Off The Rez, known for serving up tasty fry breads from its food truck, has planted some roots at the Burke.

With indoor-outdoor dining, Off The Rez Café is a must stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I had the chance to try some of its fry bread tacos and 12-hour smoked pulled pork during the media preview. They did not disappoint.

Defined by a massive pivoting window wall that opens up to the Burke Yard, this space is perfect for people watching.

If you can’t wait for Saturday’s celebration, the Burke is having an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. Free and open to the public, the Burke Yard will be open all day featuring musical acts, dance performances and food trucks.

The new Burke Museum – Grand Opening

4300 15th Ave NE, Seattle
October 12 – 14
10am – 5pm
Admission: $22 adults, $14 youth (ages 4-17), free for children ages 3 and under