On past visits to Seattle, I wasn’t able to visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, so with ample time to explore the city it was a quick ten minute walk from the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition and Space Needle.  The clouds of the morning were starting to dissipate and the bright sun was trying its best to come out as i walked downhill to the park entrance.

Opened in 2007, this area was converted from an industrial building/lands to an open air park and performance venue.  It is a part of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).  Upon entry at the top, you walk on a stone path that leads to the park building in front of the performance space.  The open air, multi level tiered grass areas invites you to sit out with a picnic to relax. I can imagine sitting here on a cool night with a jazz or classical performance with a glass of wine and the company of good friends.

Walking through the performance venue, there are small sculptures surrounded by wonderfully landscaped grounds.

 

With a Z shaped path, you make your way through the park overlooking Puget Sound and the waterfront watching the boats and ferries out in the distance.  I’m not sure if the day could have been any better for a visit – the warm sun and a slight breeze at mid-day.

Seeing a rooftop in the distance and kids of all ages walking atop was curious.  This house and rooftop replica delighted kids of all ages, i doubt they realized it was “art”. You could climb inside or just sit on top and stare out at the water.

Half tempted to take a seat and just watch the water, I continued onward as my day of art was so fulfilling.  My creative mind was on overload (but in a good way).   Seeing art outside in this fabulous backdrop of the water with well thought out landscaped grounds was a great way to capture the Seattle spirit – outdoor adventurous nature for all to enjoy.

Looking at the various sculptures, you would be remiss not to take in the flowers as they are just as much art in the park as the sculptures.

At the bottom of the z-path, you are met with more sculptures as you look out to the water as well as more people using the park for biking, running, yoga and contemplation.  Everything a park should be used for – to be enjoyed.

 

On my way to the waterfront to exit the park, I had a few more sculpture to view

 

At the waterfront entrance/exit to the park, the benches are quite unique you can look out to the water, at the water fountain or the train as it passes by.

The park is free to explore with a variety of activities on offer.  Do take time to explore or just find a seat to relax and look out to the water, it is a lovely way to experience the City of Seattle – the art, nature and water. For more information visit the Seattle Art Museum.