The Seattle Art Museum, better known as the SAM, has three eco-friendly locations in the city to include the SAM Downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Though the Asian Art Museum was built more than 50 years before the others, the 150,000 sq. ft. SAM Downtown, which opened in 1991, is the premiere destination. With permanent installations ranging from old Hollywood photography to classic paintings to Mediterranean sculptures, and two free floors with eye-catching works open to the public, the SAM is renowned as one of the best spots in the Emerald City. 

New exhibits on the way

Though the popular Luminous: The Art of Asia has just closed, a new, exciting exhibition will debut on Feb. 9 and run through April 29. Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise will look at the relationship between famed artist Paul Gauguin's work and the art and culture of Polynesia. Close to 50 of Gauguin's paintings, sculptures and works on paper will be displayed, along with 60 examples of Polynesian sculpture.

Costs for the Ganguin show are in addition to regular admission and start at $18 for students. To purchase tickets in advance for the limited-time event, visit https://tickets.seattleartmuseum.org/public/show_events_list.asp.

(Note: You can plan ahead. This summer's exhibit, starting May 31, will be Ancestral Modern: Australian Aboriginal Art from the Kaplan & Levi Collection.)

Focus, flash, film

In early 2010, the SAM instituted a new photography policy that was more lenient than ever before. Photography is now permitted inside all of the galleries, though management still requests that visitors not cause a distraction with excessive equipment, flash usage or posing.

After art, stuff your stomach

Art appreciators can get some energy at a number of places near the museum, and even one notable spot inside the gallery. The Taste Restaurant (located in the SAM) offers full lunch, dinner and dessert menus, not to mention a decent happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and an upscale Sunday brunch. Be wary, however, as hours are limited to museum hours of operation.

Stepping just outside, diners have a choice of Japanese cuisine with a Latin flair at Japonessa, pub fair and craft beers at the Pike Brewing Company, or French fare with a gorgeous water view at Place Pigalle, which is tucked just inside the Pike's Place Market.

Taste Restaurant, 1300 1st Ave., (206) 903-5291; Japonessa, 1400 1st Ave., (206) 971-7979; The Pike Brewing Company, 1415 1st Ave., (206) 622-6044; Place Pigalle Restaurant, 81 Pike St., (206) 624-1756.

Spend the day

General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and military (with ID), $9 for students, and free for all children 12 and younger. Parking is available under the SAM in the Russell Investment Center Garage through the entrance on Union Street. Weekends are best for this, since flat rates no higher than $8 for the day are in effect. Additional parking garages are located within a two-block radius.

The SAM, which has its front entrance at 1300 1st Ave., is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Hours Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; hours Thursday and Friday are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is waived for everyone on the first Thursday of every month, though exceptions may apply to special exhibits with a surcharge.