The Georgetown Steam Plant is currently closed to the public to accommodate the installation of a new roof.
The closure is expected to last through the end of 2020. Please watch this space for further updates and we look
forward to welcoming visitors back to the plant soon.
Visit the Steam Plant
The Georgetown Steam Plant is open to the public the second Saturday of every month from 10:00am to 2:00pm, with free guided tours at 11:00am and 1:00pm.
Admission is free and no reservations are required.
Open House Policies
Seattle City Light is pleased to be able to share this National Historic Landmark with the public. However, we need your help to make sure that all visitors remain safe, the building remains protected, and the Open House is an enjoyable experience for all. With that in mind, please help us by following these policies:
Safety
Safety is the number one priority at the Open House. We ask you to keep in mind that the plant is a former industrial site with some uneven and slick surfaces, low hanging pipes and equipment, and other potential hazards. All visitors must stay in designated areas and not go beyond safety barriers or touch any of the equipment. Anyone not complying with these policies will be asked to leave the premises.
Driving Directions
The Georgetown Steam Plant is located adjacent to Boeing Field/King County International Airport at 6605 13th Avenue South, Seattle. Access is from the east side of Ellis Avenue South, opposite South Warsaw Street (see map).
Directions driving South on Interstate 5:
1.) Take Exit 161, Albro Place. Turn right onto S Albro Pl.
2.) S Albro Pl turns into Ellis Ave S.
3.) Turn left onto S Warsaw St.
Note: Please follow these directions. Google Maps and GPS are not accurate!
Photography
Photographers are encouraged to attend Open Houses with the following guidelines:
- Tripods are permitted, though we ask for you to be courteous of other visitors in the plant. Tripods are not allowed on the second-floor catwalk. Steam plant staff have the discretion to ask you to move a tripod if it appears to be a hazard or is impeding the experience of other visitors.
- Flash is permitted inside the building.
- A safe distance must be maintained from all machinery, equipment, and other steam plant paraphernalia.
- Portrait photography is not permitted during the Open House.
- External gear, such as reflectors, softboxes, and other studio equipment, is not permitted inside the plant during the Open House. Photographers may bring in a maximum of one tripod each.
- Props, including weapons of any kind, are not permitted at the Open House.
Formal or Portrait Photography
Seattle City Light requires a permit for professional/formal and portrait photography, which must take place outside of Open House hours.
To schedule a photo shoot, contact Seattle City Light at (206) 763-2542 to arrange for your permit and on-site staff.
Commercial or Editorial Filming and Photography
Commercial filming and photography (product advertising or promotion, magazine editorial content, commercial websites), and filming for corporate videos, television programming, television commercials, and feature films, is permitted with a City of Seattle Film Permit.
You will need to first schedule a time at the steam plant. You will also need to hire at least one site monitor to be with you during your shoot.
If the impact of the project is considered high, you may be required to pay a $500/$1,000 security deposit. Commercial filming and photography productions are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance covering the City of Seattle unless criteria in the Seattle Film Manual are met.
Please visit our
Filming at the Steam Plant page for more information.
Groups
For groups of 15 more, please call (206) 763-2542 prior to coming to the Open House. If a group of 15 or more arrives at the Open House without proper notification, Steam Plant staff reserve the right to limit the number of people from your group allowed to join a tour or enter the plant to 15 at any one time. To schedule a private tour for your group, please call (206) 763-2542.
Parking
There is limited parking available on-site. Carpools and public transportation are encouraged. If on-site parking is full, visitors may be requested to find parking off-site, including local neighborhood streets. Seattle City Light assumes no responsibility for personal vehicles parked on- or off-site.
Bags
Bags, backpacks, purses, and packages larger than 11” x 17” x 8” are not allowed inside the Steam Plant.
Hazardous materials (e.g. pepper spray) and weapons of any kind are prohibited.
Food and Drink
Alcohol may not be brought onto the premises.
Smoking
No smoking (including e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) is permitted within 25 feet of the Steam Plant building.
Animals
Pets are not allowed on the premises. Assistive animals, such as guide dogs for the blind, are permitted.
Accessibility
The only access to the second floor of the Steam Plant is via a steep flight of stairs. If you would like to request special assistance, please speak with a Steam Plant staff person.
Restrooms
Seattle City Light provides an ADA-accessible portable toilet (aka, Honey Bucket) on the grounds. There is no plumbed restroom inside the building.