Sponsored by the Duwamish Tribe
About the sponsor: The Duwamish Tribe are descendants of the First People of the Seattle area and have lived in the region since time immemorial. The Tribe continues to uphold its cultural heritage through ongoing efforts in education, preservation, and community engagement. Through the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center, the Tribe provides a gathering place for sharing Duwamish history, culture, and contemporary presence with the public.
On the banks of the Duwamish River, just minutes from downtown Seattle, stands a place where history, culture, and community come together in one unforgettable space. The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center isn’t just a museum—it’s the living heart of Seattle’s First People, the Duwamish Tribe—and a place where visitors can learn, reflect, and connect.
Duwamish Longhouse: A Journey Through Time and Culture
Built in 2009 on sacred ancestral land, the Duwamish Longhouse stands as the first cultural center of the Duwamish Tribe in modern times. It sits just beyond the banks of the river that has sustained the Duwamish people for generations. Inside its cedar walls is a place where the past and present meet and the story of Seattle begins.
For many, the most moving part of visiting the Longhouse is the sense of being welcomed. Whether you are a lifelong Washingtonian or a first-time visitor, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people whose land you stand on and whose legacy continues to shape the region.
Spirit Returns 2.0 Exhibit
Visitors to the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center can explore the Spirit Returns 2.0 exhibit, which brings thousands of years of Coast Salish history to life. The museum gallery showcases both historic artifacts and contemporary Native art, weaving together the Tribe’s heritage and its vibrant modern identity. You’ll find handwoven cedar baskets, tools, beadwork, and photographs that tell the story of the Duwamish people, from their stewardship of the land long before Seattle’s founding to their ongoing efforts to preserve their culture and community.
Among the most treasured items on display is Chief Seattle’s cedar hat, a powerful reminder of the respected Duwamish and Suquamish leader for whom the city is named. Chief Seattle (Si’ahl) was known for his wisdom and diplomacy during a time of great change, and his carefully preserved hat embodies his legacy and the dignity of Duwamish leadership.
Before leaving, be sure to stop by the Longhouse Gift Shop, a hidden gem that features handcrafted jewelry, art, and gifts made by local Native artists. Every purchase supports Indigenous makers and helps fund Duwamish programs and initiatives. It’s the perfect place to find a piece of Seattle’s living history to take home.
Cultural Events and Tours
More than a museum, the Duwamish Longhouse is also a gathering place for tribal members and the greater community. Throughout the year, the center hosts cultural celebrations, ecological tours, seasonal art markets, wellness workshops, and public events that invite visitors to experience Duwamish traditions firsthand. The sound of drumming, singing, and storytelling often fills the air, welcoming everyone to share in the richness of Indigenous culture in Washington State. See current events here.
həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat
Nearby, visitors can take a short walk across the street to həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat, a tranquil green space that complements the Duwamish Longhouse experience. Nestled along the Duwamish River, həʔapus (ha-ah-poos) offers a serene outdoor space for reflection.
Stroll along the river trail or simply take in the view of the water that has nourished the Duwamish people since time immemorial. It’s a moment to pause, breathe, and feel the living connection between land, culture, and community.
Honoring the First People of Seattle
The Duwamish Longhouse stands as a reminder that Seattle’s story did not begin with skyscrapers or settlers—it began with the Duwamish people, Dxʷdəwʔabš, meaning “The People of the Inside.” Their connection to the land and waterways has endured millennia, and today the Duwamish Longhouse serves as a cultural bridge between the Tribe and the many people who call the city home.
Through initiatives such as Real Rent Duwamish, visitors can directly support the Tribe’s cultural, educational, and environmental programs. These contributions help sustain the Longhouse, fund language and youth programs, and ensure that this cultural hub continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is located at 4705 W Marginal Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106, just a short drive from downtown Seattle or West Seattle. It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free, though donations are joyfully welcomed.
Whether you come to learn, to listen, or to simply stand on the land where Seattle’s story began, a visit to the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center is an experience that will stay with you. Here, the spirit of the Duwamish people continues to guide the city that bears their chief’s name, reminding us all that the past is not forgotten, and the future is built on respect, connection, and community.