Visit

A glass entryway protrudes from the corner of a brick building. Next to it a sign says "Western Gallery".

Summer Hours

During exhibitions, the gallery is open 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday through Friday; and 12:00pm to 4:00pm Saturday. Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise. Some events take place outside of regular hours.

The gallery is closed during state holidays and university breaks (Spring/Winter break, intersessions). View the Term Dates Calendar for when the university is in session.

Feel free to visit the outdoor sculptures at any time!

Event Calendar

Stay healthy, stay safe, stay inspired!

For Covid-19 safety we encourage you to do WWU :

  • Wash your hands
  • Watch your distance
  • Use a mask if you prefer (optional at WWU locations except in healthcare settings)
  • Respect yourself and the community: Stay home if you have illness symptoms. Some in-person events include virtual attendance options.

See WWU Covid-19 information for more details.

 Know before you go. For in-person events:

Covid-19 safety may cause event dates and locations to change. Double check event details for updates before you go.

Campus Maps
small subsection of the campus map

Directions

Western is located in Bellingham, 90 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, B.C. When approaching Bellingham on Interstate 5, take Exit #252, turn west onto Samish Way and follow the signs to Bill McDonald Parkway and the University Campus. The Western Gallery is in the Fine Arts Building, centrally located on campus, across from Carver Gym.

Regional Transportation Options
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Visitor parking information
Illustration of a car next to a parking sign

Parking

Allow yourself at least 15 minutes to enjoy campus scenery and outdoor sculptures on the way to the gallery from your parking spot.

Weekday Parking

Pay-by-hour parking in the C lots (by S. College Way) and lot 6V (by the Viking Union). Taking the Viking Union elevator, the main campus level is floor 6.

Weekend & Evening (after 4:30pm) Parking

  • Close to the gallery: pay-by-hour parking in lot 17G (off E. College Way, marked by a sign). The gallery is next to the Ross Engineering Technology building. 
  • Free parking in the C lots.
WTA Buses
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Bus Service

Whatcom Transportation Authority provides bus service to Western. Five different buses go directly to campus. With limited parking and care for the environment, alternative transportation is an excellent way to get to campus.

Accessibility

The Gallery’s exterior door is manually accessible. The main entrance to the Fine Arts building is button activated. A ramp goes to the Gallery’s side door. Accessible restrooms are located on the first floor. Accessible parking is available behind the Fine Arts building, on East College Way.

Disability access information is available online at Parking Services, and further resources can be found by contacting Western's Disability Access Center.

Dining

There are a number of coffee shops, cafeterias, delis, and bodegas on campus. Hours and offerings vary. Please check the Campus Dining site for all options. Pay particular attention to hours of operation - the locations may vary widely depending on the academic calendar.

Photography

The outdoor sculptures are in the public domain and can be photographed without permission. However, such photos should not be reproduced or published for commercial purposes without the permission of the Western Gallery and the legitimate copyright owner. Permission to photograph works in Western Gallery exhibitions must be obtained from the Gallery Director.

Guided Tours

Guided tours to the exhibitions and the outdoor sculpture collection are offered to schools and organized groups. Please call (360) 650-3939 to make an appointment.