SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

The SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham, Washington, offers an engaging exploration of the history and impact of electricity and radio. Spanning over 25,000 square feet, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the 16th century through the 1950s, showcasing the evolution of electrical technology and its profound influence on society.

Originally established in 1985 as the Bellingham Antique Radio Museum, the institution evolved into the American Museum of Radio and Electricity in 2001 before adopting its current name in 2012. The museum’s collection includes rare and significant items such as Thomas Edison’s first incandescent lightbulb from 1879, one of only two known to exist, and a 1915 telephone used by Alexander Graham Bell during the first transcontinental call. Visitors can also explore early electrical devices, including a working 1929 theremin, a complete set of Atwater Kent “breadboard” radios, and a replica of Tesla’s “Egg of Columbus” demonstrating the principles of alternating current.

Interactive exhibits are a hallmark of the SPARK Museum experience. Guests can engage with hands-on displays such as the Static Electricity Lab, where they can experiment with Leyden jars and Van de Graaff generators, and the Plasma Globe, which allows visitors to draw lightning to their fingertips. The museum also features a reproduction of the Titanic’s radio room, complete with original Marconi wireless apparatus, providing a tangible connection to historical events.

A highlight for many visitors is the MegaZapper Electrical Show, held every weekend. This live demonstration features the “Mighty” MegaZapper, a 10-foot-tall Tesla coil that produces dramatic lightning displays. Brave attendees can step into the “Cage of Doom,” a steel-mesh enclosure that safely conducts high-voltage electricity around them, offering a thrilling and educational experience.

The museum’s commitment to education extends beyond its exhibits. It offers outreach programs for schools, including assemblies and in-class science courses, as well as community education initiatives like Science Saturday classes and summer camps. These programs aim to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific principles among participants of all ages.

In 2025, the SPARK Museum introduced a new temporary exhibit titled “Curious by Design: The Mindport Legacy,” celebrating the legacy of Mindport Exhibits, a Bellingham institution that blended art and science for nearly three decades. This interactive exhibit offers visitors a chance to engage with installations that reflect Mindport’s unique approach to hands-on discovery.

Located at 1312 Bay Street in downtown Bellingham, the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission prices vary, with discounts available for children and seniors.