Bellevue Arts Museum through the years

Seattle Times arts economy coverage

Seattle’s vibrant arts scene contributes greatly to the dynamism of our region. But it faces challenges, including skyrocketing costs, real estate issues and ongoing fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. With financial support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, The Seattle Times takes an in-depth look at the business of the arts and the arts as an economic driver in our region. We invite you to join the conversation. Send your stories, comments, tips and suggestions to artseconomy@seattletimes.com.

Read the latest: What’s gone wrong at Bellevue Arts Museum?

1947

The first iteration of what’s now known as the Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair is held in front of Bellevue Square. Nearly 30,000 people attend.

1953

The city of Bellevue, formerly known as a suburb and bedroom community to Seattle, incorporates.

1961

Volunteers behind the fair, who have formed the Pacific Northwest Arts & Crafts Association, open PANACA Gallery in Bellevue Square to promote artists year-round.

1975

PANACA Foundation’s School of Art moves to a former funeral home. The Bellevue Art Museum (without an “s”) is born.

1983

BAM moves to the third floor of Bellevue Square and opens with various exhibitions, including the Floyd and Carol Whittington Collection of Southeast Asian Art. The museum pays $1 a year in rent, according to mall owner Kemper Freeman.

1996

Fifty years after its founding, the arts fair is the seventh-largest in the country and “a premier regional happening,” per The Seattle Times.

2001

After a $23 million fundraising campaign, the museum reopens in an eye-catching new building on 510 Bellevue Way NE designed by Bremerton-born architect Steven Holl.

2003

BAM closes its doors. Officials say the museum has virtually run out of cash, due to a struggling economy, projected earnings falling below expectations and expenses from the move mounting.

2005

After a successful $3 million fundraising campaign, the museum reopens as the Bellevue Arts Museum with a revamped mission to showcase art, crafts and design and focus on Northwest artists.

2007

BAM’s chief financial officer leaves after being accused of, and later charged with, embezzling $300,000. To shore up cash flow, the city of Bellevue gives BAM $2 million, with strings attached.

2010

Since its reopening, BAM has produced 50 arts and crafts exhibits, attracting nearly two million visitors and establishing itself as a center for arts, crafts and local artists, according to the Bellevue Reporter. BAM also launches a multiyear pledge campaign to raise $3 million.

2016

Eastside developer Kemper Freeman donates $1 million to BAM as it struggles.

2020

The museum closes due to the pandemic. It launches online programming and partners with the Bellevue School District to provide children with free at-home craft kits.

2021

The museum reopens in February with new exhibits. That summer, BAM’s Arts Fair celebrates 75 years with a virtual edition.

2024

In February, the museum launches a campaign to “Save BAM,” stating “BAM, like most American museums, has been affected by revenue losses amid drops in attendance, fundraising, and retail sales since the end of the pandemic.”

_____

This coverage is partially underwritten by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The funder plays no role in editorial decision making and The Seattle Times maintains editorial control over this and all its coverage.