Seattle University has unveiled plans for a new art museum on its campus, with groundbreaking expected in August 2026 and a grand opening planned for Fall 2028. The Seattle University Museum of Art (SUMA) will be designed by acclaimed architect Tom Kundig. Philanthropist Richard Hedreen initiated this project with a $25 million donation in March 2024.
“This museum will not only house an extraordinary collection of art but also serve as a welcoming gateway to our campus and a dynamic space for learning, reflection, and community engagement,” said SU President Eduardo Peñalver. Kundig’s portfolio includes the Wagner Education Center at the Center for Wooden Boats, the renovation of St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Chapel of St. Ignatius.
Seattle University art museum plans
“In addition to showcasing a spectacular collection of art, the new museum serves as a beacon to both the campus and the surrounding community,” Kundig said. The SUMA is envisioned as a teaching museum, intended to be a valuable addition to both Seattle University and the greater Seattle community.
The museum will permanently house and display the Hedreen art collection, comprising over 200 works from the 15th and 16th centuries to modern and contemporary masterpieces. Sellen Construction has been chosen as the contractor for the museum. “We are honored to partner with Seattle University on this transformative project,” said Scott Redman, CEO of Sellen Construction.
The Seattle University Museum of Art aims to be much more than a traditional museum, offering flexible gallery spaces to accommodate performance art, music, and theater productions. Seattle University is excited about the new museum’s potential to enrich the campus culturally, socially, and intellectually.
