Welcome
The Bigelow House Museum (BHM) is significant for being furnished almost entirely with items originally owned by the Bigelow family. Each room tells its own story and represents a different period of the Bigelow family’s three-generation occupancy of the house from the 1860s to the 21st century.
Aside from the Bigelow House, our volunteers and tour docents are happy to offer guidance and answer your questions about the many other historical attractions in Olympia and the South Puget Sound area. You will find brochures in our “Welcome Room” where all tours begin. For your convenience, we also provide WIFI service.
Tour Hours
Guided tours of the Bigelow House interior take around 30 to 40 minutes. Beginning June 4, 2023, regularly scheduled tours are offered on the first and second Sundays of each month with tours beginning at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm. All tours are led by our team of dedicated tour docents. To assure a high quality visitor experience, each tour size is limited to a maximum of ten participants. Reservations are not required to tour the Bigelow House during regularly scheduled tours.
Tours by Special Arrangement
To schedule a tour of the Bigelow House Museum outside of the days and times stated above, or for large groups, contact us at bigelowhousemuseum@gmail.com. Requests for tours outside scheduled public tour hours will be reviewed on an individual basis in order to determine docent availability. At this time, the museum does not have a telephone number.
Please contact us well in advance to make special tour arrangements. Also, please check our calendar page for our current schedule or special events and notices.
Admission
Our “Welcome Room” historical exhibit is open to visitors free of charge. You are also welcome to stroll the museum grounds but please watch your step in case of uneven ground, steps, or other hazards. The Bigelow House property also adjoins the Bigelow Springs Park, owned and maintained by the Olympia parks department. Besides the springs, the park offers benches, interpretive signs, and great views.
Effective September 1, 2023: Fees for our regularly scheduled guided interpretive tours of the house interior are:
- Members – Free
- Adults – $8
- Seniors, College Students, and Youths under age 18 – $5
- Family – $35 max
Fees for our guided interpretive tours by special arrangement are:
- Members – Free
- Adults – $10
- Seniors, College Students, and Youths under age 18 – $7
Payment for your tour admission fee may be made by cash, check or credit card upon your arrival at the museum.
To become a member, please visit this website address: https://olympiahistory.org/membership/
Free street parking is available on Glass Avenue in front of the Bigelow House Museum. Please do not park-in or block our neighbors’ driveways. Thank you
Group Tours
Group and School Tours Available; email queries and requests to bigelowhousemuseum@gmail.com for rates and scheduling.
- K-12 School Tours: $1 per student
- Regular rate for teachers/chaperones
Address
Bigelow House Museum 918 Glass Ave NE Olympia, WA 98506 Location MapBigelow House Museum is ADA compliant and accessible parking is available. Contact us for more information.