The central goal of the waterfront project is to reconnect the city with its waterfront. To that end, arts, culture, and indigenous history play a large role on Seattle's waterfront.
Permanent Artworks
The design team worked closely with the art team to ensure that art was physically integrated into the waterfront as it was redeveloped, and that artists were provided with the space and infrastructure they needed to produce their work. The overall vision for the art program is documented in the Working Plan for Art on the Central Waterfront.
These artworks were commissioned with Seattle Department of Transportation Central Waterfront 1% for Art funds and administered by the Office of Arts & Culture and the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects. The 1% funds are derived from city sources, Friends of Waterfront Park philanthropy, and Waterfront Local Improvement District funds.
Stretching over three blocks, Oscar Tuazon designed a series of post and beam structures that reference traditional longhouse architecture.
Interpretive & Cultural Signage
We worked with HistoryLink and an advisory group of community and tribal members to develop signage that tells the waterfront story of the original shoreline, native plants, workers on the waterfront, transportation uses, and more. With the goal of connecting visitors to Seattle’s evolving waterfront through the perspectives of the people who shaped it, this signage focuses on new voices and stories to convey the spirit of this place.
 Learn about the waterfront’s history starting with the tribes who first inhabited the waterfront to the present through our interpretive and cultural signage.
Other art and events on the Waterfront:
Friends of Waterfront Park Events:
Our partners at the Friends of Waterfront Park are activating the Waterfront with music, cultural festivals, temporary art installations, and other events. Visit their site for up-to-date information on their offerings.
Friends of Waterfront Park installed temporary art featuring indigenous artists along Railroad Way.
Olympic Sculpture Park
This park is part of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and is free and open 365 days a year. Located at 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle WA 98121, you can see this collection of monumental sculptures while continuing to walk, bike, or roll along the waterfront.
The waterfront is also very close to the downtown Seattle Art Museum.
Other Public Art Around the City
The City of Seattle has a collection of hundreds of public artworks around Seattle. You can view a map of the Office of Arts & Culture eMuseum collections for more information.
Other agencies such as 4 Culture (King County), ARTSWA State of Washington, STart (Sound Transit), as well as private entities have artworks throughout the city including the waterfront.