Home to many of Seattle's cultural activities, the Seattle Center is reffered to by many as the city's living room. The Center was first founded in 1927, but underwent a major renevation to preparation for the 1962 World's Fair for which most of the major structures were constructed.

The iconic Space Needle is on the south-east corner of the center, and you'll find great views of the needle throughout the complex. You can go to the observation deck at the top of the needle where you'll find stunning views of the entire city best seen on a clear day. The revolving restaurant at the top offers the same views, but the food leaves something to be desired.

Just north of the Space Needle you'll find Frank Gehrey's Experience Music Project. Like most of Gehrey's work this building is very organic and provides a skilled photographer with an interesting subject. Unlike most of his work, the EMP is skinned in an eclectic combination of materials. Architecturally the building provides a variety of responses and strong feelings. Inside you'll find Paul Allen's Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame museuems.

If you're in the mood for something educational, the Pacific Science Center is just a couple of steps away (walk towards the towering white arches). This excellent science museum sports 2 IMAX theatres, a rotating exhibit gallery, and the usual science musuem attractions. Photographery is permitted, except in the IMAX shows and traveling exhibits. Unique to the Pacific Science Center is a huge tropical butterfly pavillon (included in admission). You'll easily spend hours chasing exotic butterflys -- consider bringing a macro lens as they'll often rest long enough for some great shots.

On the north side of the center you'll find the International Fountain. This large waterwerk fountain conducts a performance in sound, light and water every 15 minutes. A hot summer day will fill the fountain with children running into and out of the fountain -- in a typically futile attempt to touch the polished sphere in the center without getting soaked.

In the middle of the complex you'll find the Center House which hosts the Seattle Children's Museum and a number of eateries. The Seattle Monorail station is inside the Center house and offers the cheapest fair into the heart of downtown. It's often cheaper to park at the Seattle Center and take th monorail downtown than downtown parking -- plus you get the monorail ride.

Seattle Center plays host to a number of wonderful events noteably including Northwest Folklife Festival over Memorial Day Weekend, Bumbershoot over Labor Day weekend, as well as hosting the largest New Year's Eve event in the city. A full schedule of events is on the Seattle Center's website.

Website:  www.seattlecenter.com 

where is it? Address 305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA 98109 View larger map... Get driving directions... Find a bus route...

how to get there? From I-5 Exit 167: Mercer Street At end of ramp turn RIGHT onto Fairview Turn LEFT at next light onto Valley Street Continue on Valley under the bridge Follow the signs to one of the many parking structures Parking structures are located around the perimeter of the Seattle Center. During a major event parking can be difficult (and expensive) to find. Local merchants will tow cars parked in their lot if you leave the lot.