Seattle Center Walk 1.0

Explore on location on a driving or walking tour, or from the comfort of your home! This limited version features 5 locations.

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Welcome to the Seattle Center. Get ready to take a walk back to “The Future!”
Here, “The Future” was celebrated – some say invented - during the 1962 World’s Fair! The Fair’s theme - “Century 21 Exposition” - stood in contrast to the times: it was a world in turmoil. Sputnik, nuclear war, Khrushchev, and backyard bomb shelters dominated the news.
But here, to the many participants and visitors, the Fair’s soaring “Space Needle” stood like a beacon of hope amidst this turmoil. The futuristic Monorail seemed to bring ‘The Future’ within our grasp.

The World’s Fair heralded that not all ‘Science’ is about atom bombs and radioactive doomsday! In defiance, the World’s Fair showcased an optimistic view - that ‘Science’ can make life better, can be put to good use - can even put a man on the moon!
Some say it was the World’s Fair celebrities – such as Elvis, John Glenn, Sammy Davis Jr., Louis Armstrong, John Wayne, and Walt Disney, to name a few - that put the City of Seattle on the map.

Others insist, however, that it was the World’s Fair’s positive view of ‘The Future,’ that drew world-wide attention, curiosity, and admiration. With apologies to Elvis fans everywhere, Elvis has passed, yet about 10 million people still visit Seattle Center – every year! You don’t need to be a history buff or science geek to enjoy Seattle Center! There’s something for everyone!

We’ve pulled together insights from a variety of sources to give you an informative and entertaining description for each stop. Several of the original structures still stand, but many of their original names have changed over the last 50 years. And, many of their original functions have also changed.
You’ll be surprised at the variety of events that were held at each stop! One might even make you blush! Let’s start with a few of the basics. Size-wise, Seattle Center covers 74 acres.

The idea of a world’s fair first appeared in a January 8, 1950, article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. So, basically, it took 12 years to build from concept to opening on April 21, 1962, when President John F. Kennedy addressed the World’s Fair via telephone. As for trivia, the first paying visitor on the grounds was a musician from Chicago – Mr. Al Carter.
The grounds can be visited 365 days of the year, but it’s a good idea to check their calendar since many buildings close over certain holidays.