Tour the new and improved Seattle Waterfront to see the remarkable changes that have occurred after over a decade of planning and design. Construction began with destruction: the 2019 demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct (an elevated highway deemed unsound after the 2001 Nisqually earthquake), which made way for the current transformation of the area into a vibrant public space with a 17-block boulevard-like park promenade, and unobstructed views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The newly designed roadway has been given the honorary name Dzidzilalich (pronounced: dzee-dzuh-lah-leech) to honor the lands and shared waters of the native Puget Sound Coast Salish People. Construction is still under way.
Tour highlights include:
- The Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park which opened in 2007 and transformed Seattle’s largest undeveloped waterfront property from a former industrial site into an open and vibrant public green space. On display will be Alexander Calder’s Eagle, Richard Serra’s Wake, Louise Bourgeois’ Father and Son, Jaume Plensa’s Echo and many other magnificent works.
- The Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist program led by docents who advocate for the living wonders on Seattle’s shorelines
- CIty-owned Pier 62 where the City of Seattle team will walk through the waterfront projects’ many and varied design elements, highlight partnerships and stakeholders, and discuss the unique public/private partnership for park operations.
Please note: There is limited shade along the waterfront; sun protection is advised. Comfortable shoes should be worn for the walking tour.
