The Seattle Center
The Seattle Center has become a famous attraction to people all over the world. From the day it was built to today, there is lots to see when visiting this location. Today the Seattle Center continues to receive more than 12 million visitors each year that come to see one of the 14,000 events that take place here each year.
The first thing to be built in the Seattle Center was the Marion Oliver McGraw Hall and Seattle Opera and the Center. The construction of these buildings began in 1927. At the time, these buildings were known as the Civic Auditorium and the Civic Arena. After the Civic Auditorium was completed, it became known as the stomping grounds for the Seattle Symphony. The Civic Auditorium was also used to host many tours and shows, as well as events such as local high school dances. The Civic Arena was always built to be an ice arena, but was renovated and redeveloped in 1962 to be a large multi-purpose venue. The renovation of both the Civic Auditorium and Civic Arena was done in order to be able to host the World's Fair in 1962 where nearly 10 million people attended.
Another attraction that was built for the 1962 World's Fair is the International Fountain. The design of the fountain was chosen to be built as a centerpiece for the fair. The theme of this sculpture, water, and light display was to reflect "mankind's efforts to explore the farthest reaches of outer space (seattle.gov)." In 1995 the fountain display was renovated to not only become a beautiful artistic structure that plays light and water to music, but also a splash and playground for children.
As years have gone by, more buildings and attractions have been built at the Seattle Center. These buildings and attractions include the Space Needle, Seattle Center Monorail, a children's center, Seattle Center Armory, Center Theatre, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the John T. Williams totem pole, Fisher Pavilion, the Kobe Bell, Mercer Arena, Mural Amphitheatre, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Center Pavilion, IMAX Theater, Seattle Laser Dome, and Seattle Center Armory Food Atrium.
Today the Seattle Center continues to host events surrounding cultural, educational, sports, and entertainment events. The Seattle Center is a place that continues to attract more than 12 million visitors each year to its various events and programs. Many jobs have been created and businesses supported through the hosting of many events each year.
The Space Needle is a unique observation tower that has become the icon and designated landmark of Seattle Washington. The top of the Space Needle offers the most beautiful view of Seattle. Standing at the top and looking through the glass floors from 500 feet above ground, the people walking on the streets below look like little ants. The rotating glass floors on this one of a kind tower get the adventurous type very excited. From the top of the Space Needle, not only will you get some of the coolest pictures with amazing views, but you can extend your visit up top by sitting down to eat at the Atmos Cafe on the upper observation level.
If you like the sound of The Seattle Center, you will probably like The Pacific Science Center.
