DK Travel : Seattle : Seattle Center

Seattle Center

No one has rated this yet.

Rate it

Review this attraction

Are these details incorrect?

The site of 1962’s Century 21 Exposition, tagged “America’s Space Age World’s Fair,” Seattle Center has survived decades of massive growth all around it. The main attraction is still the Space Needle, revealing the futuristic vision of 1960’s Seattle. Today, a close second is the ultra-modern and controversial Experience Music Project, Paul Allen’s monument to rock music. For the city’s residents, the Center is synonymous with lavish presentations of art, theater, dance, and music all year long.
Seattle Center used to be a favorite potlatch site for coastal Native Americans until the late 19th century. Head to the International Fountain to watch the jets of water pulsing to music and to see kids of all ages getting wet!

Top 10 Sights

1. Space Needle

1. Space Needle

This imposing structure is recognized as the city’s architectural icon. Ride the vintage external elevators to the observation deck for a majestic view, or reserve a table at the revolving Space City restaurant for 360-degree panoramic views while dining.
2. Opera House

The luxurious Marion Oliver McCaw Hall is home to the Seattle Opera. The site also contains Café Impromptu and the Boeing plaza.
3. Experience Music Project (EMP)

3. Experience Music Project (EMP)

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and avid rock aficionado, commissioned distinguished modern architect Frank Gehry to design this technicolor performance venue. It also houses the new Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame.
4. Center House

This large building houses the wonderful Seattle Children’s Museum as well as an intimate theater. It also contains restaurants, cafés, and shops.
5. Bagley Wright Theatre

5. Bagley Wright Theatre

The anchor for the Seattle Repertory Group, the theater rose in 1963 to become a Tony Award-winning playhouse. It is the largest of the three stages the Rep operates for their performances.
6. Monorail

6. Monorail

Planners of the 1962 World’s Fair imagined the future of mass transportation might resemble this train, and decades later plans are underway to extend the route. The Monorail is currently out of service following a fire in May 2004.
7. KeyArena

7. KeyArena

The largest indoor venue in Seattle Center, with events ranging from heavy metal concerts to pro basketball games.
8. Bumbershoot

Seattleites mark their calendars for the long Labor Day holiday weekend in September, when Bumbershoot brings artists and imaginative literary arts programs, musicians, independent films, ethnic food, and many surprises to Seattle Center for the region’s largest festival of its kind.
9. Pacific Science Center

9. Pacific Science Center

You’ll find exhibits on topics such as electronic music making, robotics, hydraulics, and natural history. There’s also a toddler area and two IMAX theaters.
10. Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT)

An award-winning organization that entertains 260,000 patrons each year. The Charlotte Martin Theater and the Eve Alford Theater are recognized for innovative family-oriented programs.

Practical Information

While the Center House contains many restaurants, walk along Queen Anne Ave for a wider selection, including Thai restaurants. For baked goods and espresso, try Uptown Espresso & Bakery, 525 Queen Anne Ave N (206) 285-3757 Seattle Center:(206) 684-7200 www.seattlecenter.com Space Needle: $13.00 adults, $6 for 4–13 9am–12am daily McCaw Hall listings:(206) 684-7200 EMP:(206) 367-5483 Monorail:Currently out of service KeyArena:(206) 733-9200 Pacific Science Center: 200 2nd Ave N (206) 443-2001 Seattle Children’s Theatre: 201 Thomas St (206) 441-3322