Prior to our visit we were unaware of the art that the city of Seattle holds in her belly. From Olympic Sculpture Park to Chihuly Garden and Glass, here is a list of some of our favorite art in Seattle:
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a unique collection of blown glass sculptures by the artist Dale Chihuly. Extravagant glass flowers, chandeliers, and sea life are amongst some of his magnificent works displayed at this Seattle Museum. Inside the museum you can find some of his more delicate pieces, while outside you will find glass “plants” mixed in with live gardens. This is a must see in Seattle.
Tips: We attended first thing in the morning, before it became crowded and were able to get an up close view of the attention to detail that was put into these wonders.
This is part of the Seattle “City Pass”. It is next door to the Space Needle. I would recommend stopping by the Space Needle to schedule your time, and then head to Chihuly.
For more information, visit the Chihuly Website: www.chihulygardenandglass.com
The Fremont Troll
In 1990, the space now occupied by the Fremont Troll was quickly becoming a dumping ground and a dangerous drug hang out. The Fremont Art Council launched a competition to help rehabilitate this declining spot. Four local artists won and built the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge. They used recycled goods to help complete the statue, including a hubcap for his eye, and an old Volkswagen Beetle, which can be found in the clutches of the troll’s left hand. The Fremont Troll is now a popular tourist attraction and you can visit the statue for unique photo opportunities.
For information and directions, visit https://fremont.com/explore/sights/troll/
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9 acre open waterfront park owned and maintained by the Seattle Art Museum.
It is Seattle’s biggest green space and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. Both permanent and temporary installations call this park home throughout the year. It’s 2,200 foot zigzagging path allows visitors to walk, run, bike, skateboard, or rollerblade through as they spend as much or as little time with the art as they want. You can take a break on a small area of beach where you can dip your feet into Elliot Bay or reflect on the art you’ve seen.
Helpful Information: The park opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset. Admission is free. Pets are allowed on a 6 foot leash. Smoking is prohibited. For more information visit www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park
The Gum Wall
I am not sure that this qualifies as art, but we will go with it. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a wall filled with chewing gum in an alleyway under Pike Place Market. The tradition started in 1990 when people were waiting in line for the theater in the alleyway; they would stick their gum and a penny to the wall. It became a regular act and today attracts thousands of tourists who leave their mark on the Market Theatre Gum Wall. Some people create a design with their gum, some spell out their names, or some just simply add to the collection. Either way, when you visit, look don’t touch!
Seattle Street Art
There is a lot of art floating around the city- on piers, on light posts, on buildings. There is always something pretty to see if you keep your eyes open. We will leave you with a small sample of Seattle city art! Enjoy the beauty of Seattle!
