The Olympic Sculpture Park has been on my list to visit since it was built in 2007 and I finally did! It is a free oasis of calm, a view of the Sound, the Olympics on a clear day, and an opportunity to wander among world class contemporary sculptures. It is the free part of the Seattle Art Museum along with the original Volunteer Park building and the downtown Venturi-Cloepfil building which charge admission. Like most all museums, the work has been donated by Seattle families. It was a brownfield. The site is sloped and difficult to design to, with roads and rail going under it. It connects to the Eliot Bay Trail. The shoreline by the trail was extensively rebuilt in a natural way. The design is a success. The usual entry is from Western and Broad. Seattle has done well building apartments in the area, so parking can be fierce. The main entry has a large, clean, indoor pavilion with a minimal cafe, restrooms, some tables and chairs, artworks, and events. In rain it could be good for children, but may not have activities. To the Northwest is a narrow amphitheater. The backdrop to the amphitheater stage is a significant Serra. It is a great introduction to the artist, created in 2004, and the first piece installed in the park. The Eagle by Calder is the icon of the park often seen in photos. Seattle has a romance with Calder usually associated with his indoor hanging mobiles. Louise Bourgeois has a fountain and stone benches. A Roxy Paine stainless steel tree holds its own against the sea and mountain backdrop. A favorite artist of mine, Louise Nevelson, has a steel sculpture. They have an artist mini golf. I was especially excited to see Ai Weiwei's Circle Of Animals / Zodiac Heads on loan from the artist. I've seen other variations. Each head is a Chinese zodiac animal. I think kids would love it, but no climbing. The story of the originals is fascinating as is Weiwei's autobiography, 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows. With all the art, to me it is primarily a park. People just walk, sit and read, decompress, and children play. It's easy to visit, except for parking, is open 24 hours, has significant contemporary artists, you don't need to know anything about art to enjoy it, and it is free! read more

See all

The perfect park for a nice stroll. I love that you have to go "looking" for the sculptures and that it's not all in one place. It makes it fun and feel like an adventure. read more

I love a sculpture garden. I grew up in the DC area so was super excited to see the same metal tree there in Seattle. They also seemed to have the iconic face sculptures that most sculpture gardens I've visited tend to have (re: Chicago and DC). My best friend and I walked to this from our hotel. It seems that they have mini golf this summer which was really cute. There were different art installations that you could hit a golf ball to. We just observed. It looks like a fantastic park to read a book or have a picnic. The Chinese zodiac heads were my favorite. I'd recommend checking this spot out. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

A beautiful, free art experience near the water. I walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park often. Plenty of areas to sit and have a picnic or read, draw, or journal. It's well-maintained and very clean. I think it's kind of an underrated attraction. Highly recommend for a quiet moment on a sunny day. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - The park at dusk is so beautiful - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Very cool place with interesting artworks. There is a building with rest rooms. Interactive golf with different themes. read more

See all

Park in downtown with great accessibility. It is between the waterfront and the centennial trail. There are plenty of areas to sit and gaze out to the sound. The park also features plenty of art sculptures and hosts free events in summer read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This was a nice place to relax on a Sunday afternoon in May. The weather was dry and sunny. read more

See all

Whenever I'm in this part of Seattle I always enjoy visiting the sculpture park. Excellent views of the Sound, and the Space Needle, depending on which direction you look. On this visit I noticed a security guard walking around. Which actually made me feel better as a female alone in a public place. I'm not scared to be in Seattle alone but it is nice to know security guards walk around. Always interesting sculptures and great views! SYOY! read more

See all

The renovations to this park has been great! It's great having different paths for cyclists and pedestrians. The beaches are more accessible. The natural flora are beautiful. There are also a lot more seats and picnic tables. My only gripe is the lack of bathrooms. There's one up at the top of the park but the next one is further in the park where Cafe Hagen has opened up. I'm glad that cafe opened up because there needed to be a food option. But the bathrooms are disgusting. They've only been open for a month and it's the only bathroom in the park. They need to do A LOT more cleanings. The staff at the cafe was mostly friendly except the Asian girl that worked on Saturday. She seemed more interested in chatting with her friends than serving customers. It's a shame considering the other staff members were friendly. I hope these are resolved soon. Otherwise the park is beautiful. Just plan your bathroom breaks. read more

+ Fascinating sculptures to relax and unwind with friends and family while overlooking Puget Sound. + It's a large park. Nice place for a refreshing jog as you take a break from dt Seattle. + Restrooms and water in the clean Paccar Pavilion (Western Ave & Broad St intersection). + Free. + Safe, pleasant ambience. - I started sneezing a lot here. Pack your antihistamines. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - The iconic red Eagle sculpture of Olympic Sculpture Park. - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was inspired to review the Father and Son fountain sculpture by Louise Bourgeois at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle. This sculpture was commissioned by the Seattle Art Museum with funds from the estate of local philanthropist Stu Smailes, who left $1 million to the city with a stipulation that the money be used for a fountain featuring a nude male figure. It was interesting to learn about Stu Smailes and how the city eventually fulfilled his legacy through a commissioned sculpture - Father and Son by Louise Bourgeois. read more

See all

The park is in a beautiful location, and I enjoyed seeing several of the sculptures. Unfortunately, it closed early for a private event during its posted opening hours, which was disappointing for a public space. I wish visitors had been given more access or notice. read more

This was a very beautiful park and the trail is along the water, so you get a nice view of the water on your left and occasional cool sculptures on your right. Because of the name of the park, I had expected to see more sculptures. For the few that were on display, they were cool. The park is clean and very well kept . read more

One of my favorite places in the city to take a walk. Great views of Elliot Bay and if you're lucky you might catch a Sea Lion hanging out down by the beach! read more

Nice green space with numerous sculptures scattered about, including some by noted artists (Calder, Serra, etc). Not necessarily a destination but if you're in the area... read more

This was unexpectedly one of my favorite tourist destinations around Seattle! It was quiet and peaceful on a Friday afternoon and the sculpture art was striking. It doesn't take more than 30 minutes to walk through with pausing to look at everything, so it's definitely worth checking out even if you don't have much time. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Enjoyed my time here. Work hosted an outdoor event and rented out the space. Lots of vantage points to view the water and take a leisurely stroll. read more

Why is this place not open at night when it's one of the only places to cross the train tracks... at night.

Olympic Sculpture Park is less a park, and more a waterfront trail with art sculptures along the path. By far the most captivating has to be the fountain, which switches heights, revealing another sculpture beneath the water. Sadly most of the other sculptures are a tad on the boring side, a bit too modern to evoke anything more than passing curiousity. With a bit more care to the plants or art style this park could be really gorgeous, but as it is, it's not too bad of a walk along the waterfront, and makes for a nice afternoon stroll. read more

See all

Great view on a beautiful day and an easy walk. Thought inspiring sculptures to see and discuss either with the person you are with or later. read more

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a great park to check out. The saddest thing is that you'll have to pay for parking if you want to get off a little closer. There is plenty of seating all around if you're tired and need to take a break, or if you want to have a picnic with friends and family. There aren't too many sculptures, but it is a nice walk. read more

See all

Very nice park right by the water and it has some cultural activity center also. Lots of grass. Only issue nowhere to find any bathroom read more

See all

Beautiful scenery along the shoreline of the puget sound. Full of life and laughter it's a great spot. The sculptures are unique and spread out over a large span of walking path. We walked the path and lime scootered back it's the best way to take in the scenery IMO. If you visit Seattle stop by you'll see some amazing sunsets and meet some wonderful people. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - Bay front - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

First time visiting Seattle and on my first day, I decided to walk from my hotel to the Waterfront then made my way towards Olympic Sculpture Park and I am so glad I did. The weather was gorgeous and I truly enjoyed the walk along the waterfront. I visited during an early afternoon and it was fairly quiet with some folks enjoying their lunch on the grass or chairs. This is truly a beautiful and free attraction that I highly recommend for first time visitors. read more

See all

I spent a Sunday afternoon strolling through this park with a friend. We took a long walk through this park and had a really nice and relaxing time while it wasn't too crowded. There were other pedestrians and people walking their dogs, as well as families with strollers and bikers. The view of the water was beautiful and peaceful. We wandered along the many gravel paths. There isn't much grassy area, but if you're looking for a nice walk, this is a great place to go in Seattle. I recommend! read more

This is not a regular grassy park, but rather a park with gravel trails and interesting sculptures. The architecture is unique as the park is aboveground next to the sea. The sculptures are very quirky. I made a friend who told me this is his favourite park to walk his dog in. read more

See all

The stories behind these sculptures, were pretty awesome. A beautiful day for a stroll along the waterfront, I also was nicely surprised of the indoor, air conditioned area with restrooms and water fountains. A must see if you visit Seattle. read more

Olympic Sculpture Park - Parks Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This park is lovely. It has walking trails, seating, it's very clean, scenic, has great photo ops, & beautiful sculptures. I enjoyed coming here. I wish I would've had more time here to appreciate it. read more

See all

Nice little park to walk through, with about a dozen outdoor sculptures and great views of the city. read more

See all

Olympic Sculpture Park is right around the Seattle Center area making it an easy inclusion into a day out and/or a tour of the area. Walkable and enjoyable for a break with both indoor and outdoor parts. Described as a public park incorporating outdoor sculpture that may otherwise be seen in a museum that has pieces that could be a source of inspiration. The pieces all around the park are of modern and contemporary styles. Some are small and some are large with a monumental look. Because the park is sort of on a hill going down toward the piers area you can catch some very nice views of the water, the Olympic Mountains (on a clear day), as well as the Seattle skyline and port in general. Overall, Olympic Sculpture Park is a nice walkthrough area, it can be a place to relax take pictures and just as a way to make your way toward the pier. Why walk on a regular plain ol' sidewalk and when you can take a shortcut through Olympic Sculpture Park. read more

See all

This is a really peaceful park with a few cool sculptures you can look at. Tons of chairs in the shade and in the sun to just chill and waste time. Nice views and a relaxing area, would recommend at least stopping by if you have time. read more

See all

This is a nice park in the Seattle area. It was done by a famous landscape architect, and has a lot of clout within the architect and landscape community. I would definitely add this to your list of making a trip to Seattle. Be sure to bundle up if you're visiting because the park is on a slope heading down to the water and it can get very chilly. The sculptures are definitely worth seeing. It would be great if they rotated out but I don't think they do. It is a great public space and incredible that such great contemporary art is viewable for free . read more

We very much enjoyed this park. Walking along the waterfront, from Pikes Place Market, it was a nice stroll on a sunny day. From Pier 70, take the staircase up and over the train tracks to enter the park. Or continue on the waterfront and stroll along the Elliot Bay trail to Pocket Beach. The first part of the park is a hill overlooking the bay. Great views from here with a variety of sculptural elements and chairs to sit in the shade of trees, or move them into the sun on a cool day. There is a nice breeze up here. Following the path to the end, the walkway takes a sharp right turn. There is a grassy area here where people were sitting, enjoying the sunny day, folks were walking their pups, couples strolling. There is a staircase on the left, that leads down into 'the valley'. As soon as you enter the staircase, the noise of the city lessens. You didn't even realize it was there, until it wasn't. Here is a large installation behind the Pavilion, and a shady path with more sculpture. Once at the pavilion, a path leads down to Broad Street where you will find a silver metal tree. If you follow Broad Street down the hill, another path leads back into the park. Having lived in a large city I very much appreciate these greenways and public art. With the non-stop noise and bustle of city life it's refreshing to get out into nature, enjoy some art, walk in the grass. read more

See all

Love this place. Who knew a bunch of zigzag space can be so fun? Sunset watchers we were and with many. Will come again on a stormy hail night. read more

See all

Had to park Very far from my destination. Ended up being a blessing in disguise. I saw the sunset over a boardwalk and explored an elevated sculpture garden I never would've noticed. Dogs, kids, joggers, and people sitting around enjoying the evening. It was a lovely walk! read more

See all

I wanted to love this park more than I did and usually outdoor art gets 5 stars from me. It's scenic and has lots of lovely seating areas and sweeping water views. The park wasn't very well signed and the sculptures were a bit spread out. It was definitely a cool place, but not a destination, per se. I can see this being a great locals park, as there are lawns, benches and lots of walking paths. Glad I checked it out but if you only have a short time in Seattle, it might not be worth it. read more

See all

The views are great, I was far less impressed with the sculptures but I'm not so big into sculptures unless we're talking Jeff Koons stuff, and not the pieces you're probably thinking. We took a walk to Olympic Sculpture Park and snagged a seat along the little beach spot where I somehow managed to get a splinter in my finger, that wasn't so much fun but this was a very peaceful sit which I really enjoyed. All in all, if I lived here or was biking, going for a run, or long boarding this would be a great spot. It's totally fine for a lovely walk but I wouldn't go as far as recommending the spot for the actual sculptures. As we departed I spotted what I now know is the Split sculpture which reminded me a lot of some metal trees in Kansas City at the Nelson Atkins, not sure if those are Nancy Paine - I will investigate ;) but I liked it, I love moments of connectedness like this where you spot something that you've seen somewhere else across the country. read more

See all

I went here on a Wednesday at the beginning of this month (September) around 5:50pm. I wanted a way to pass time before my next activity later at night that day, so I went here. This park has a few random and big sculptures here and one of them is cool fountain, similar to a water show! When I was looking at the sculptures, I thought it was nice to look at. I was a little confused when looking at some of them since I wasn't sure what it was or why a random silver tree sculpture was there. Some of the sculptures here didn't have labels, while other sculptures did. Another thing I enjoyed about this park is you can get a good view of the Puget Sound and you can get down closer to it at this park because it is connected to a beach. Apparently, Pocket Beach is part of Olympic Sculpture Park. From what I was told by my boat tour guide here, Puget Sound is an inlet of the Pacific Ocean and is very popular in Seattle. The water here is very calm compared to other ocean areas I've been to since the water looked very clear and shallow here. I'd recommend this park! The sculptures were fun to look at and it was fun thinking of what each sculpture was. It was also very relaxing having a good view Puget Sound while I was at this park. My favorite sculpture here was the fountain called "Father & Son Fountain" because of the cool water show that randomly stops and goes. I liked how unique this sculpture park was! read more

See all

Loving this little oasis in the city. Right by the water, this place offers great views of the pier and offers solid trails for biking, walking, running, etc. Getting here is pretty simple from city center. We walked from SLU neighborhood and it took us about 20 minutes. The weather was perfect for some exploring. By the shore, you can see the aquarium from not far off along with the famous ferris wheel! You can also spot the needle from different points throughout the park! Loved all the different sculptures scattered around and there's even a freight train that pulls through making for some good (and free) entertainment for the kiddos! There's WiFi available and the hours are based on sunrise and sunset so fairly open to come whenever you're ready! Would highly recommend - enjoy your time! read more

See all

Olympic Sculpture Park is a 9-acre free sculpture park run by the Seattle Art Museum in Belltown, north of Pike Place Market. Here's why you should go: 1) Art: There are several large sculptures, including an Alexander Calder piece. Don't forget to find the small trails that lead to even more sculptures. 2) Views: On a sunny day, the views of Elliot Bay are stunning! 3) Space: There's lots of green space, including a grassy amphitheater that makes for a good picnic with friends or family. 4) Location: In a cool neighborhood, it's an easy walk to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and other key tourist locations. read more

See all