Page 148 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

146  SEA T TLE

Street-by-Street: Seattle Center

The Seattle Center grounds have long been a lively gathering spot for city residents
and visitors. In the 1800s, this prized parcel of land was the setting for Indian potlatches.
In 1962, it was transformed into a fairground for the World’s Fair – Century 21 Exposition
(see p149). Today, the site is one of the most visited urban parks in the US. Strolling the
pedestrian boulevards, you’ll see several legacies of the World’s Fair.
Among the most notable and noticeable is the Space Needle, which
now shares the spotlight with such innovative structures as the
EMP Museum. Performing arts companies, sports teams, and a
children’s museum all call Seattle Center home.

Marion Oliver
McCaw Hall is
home to the
Seattle Opera
and Pacific
NW Ballet.
M E R C E R S T R E E T

International Fountain
A mainstay of the 1962 World’s
Fair, redesigned in 1995,
this fountain features
274 water shooters and
propels 9,000 gallons
(34,000 liters) of water
up to 120 ft (37 m).

Seattle Repertory Theatre
“The Rep” presents both
contemporary and classic
plays on its two stages: the
Bagley Wright Theatre and
the Leo K. Theatre.
1 ST A VENUE NOR TH

Key
Suggested route

7 KeyArena
Now a sports and concert
venue, the arena was
built in 1962 for Seattle’s 0 meters 50
second World’s Fair. 0 yards 50
For hotels and restaurants see p288 and pp298–300

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