Seattle’s architecture is a blend of many influences, and has consistently evolved over the years. For example, the historic monuments in the city such as the Washington State Capitol building get their design from the Arts and Crafts movement.
However, in the later years modern architecture influences also contributed to the city's growth. The Smith Tower skyscraper, for example, perfectly embodies this evolution.
One of the earliest skyscrapers in the city, Smith Tower, was famous for being the tallest building in Pacific Northwest in 1914. In the later years, famous buildings in Seattle continued to adopt architectural styles such as postmodernism, integrating sustainable materials in construction. Adorned with many of these iconic monuments, the Seattle skyline is a treat for architecture lovers. Why not make it a must-see when planning your list of things to do in seattle?
Historic Landmarks in Seattle and Their Stories
Every city has famous landmarks that become a part of its identity and culture. Discover the must-visit famous buildings of Seattle that best represent its architecture and history.
Space Needle: Seattle’s Iconic Landmark
The Space Needle is perhaps the most recognizable landmark in the entire Pacific Northwest region. Built in 1962 as part of the World’s Fair, this historic tower in downtown Seattle is on every tourist's list of must-do things in Seattle. However, it has much to offer purely from the architectural point of view, such as the use of metal and glass, an uncommon choice for the era it was built in.
Designed by John Graham, the futuristic flying saucer shape of the Space Needle has come to define Seattle. The observation deck at the top and the new, rotating glass floor added in 2018, offers a 360-degree view of other famous buildings of Seattle.
Smith Tower: Seattle’s First Skyscraper
Smith Tower is Seattle’s first skyscraper, and no visit to the city would be complete without stopping here.
Over fifty years after its construction in 1914, Smith Tower remained Seattle’s tallest building, reaching a soaring 462 feet. Today, this historic Seattle skyscraper is a vibrant event space in the heart of downtown. The newly opened speakeasy-style bar on the 35th-floor observatory is a great way to take in the 360-degree panoramic views, while you reflect on life and times of a bygone era.
Pioneer Building: Seattle’s First Modern High-Rise
The Pioneer Building, with its early use of fireproof materials, is a great example of this fact. After the great fire of 1889 destroyed much of the original downtown and Pioneer Square area, the city issued new codes to avoid a repeat of the catastrophe.
As a result, sturdy materials such as terracotta, red bricks, and cast iron were used at the time of construction of this Richardsonian Romanesque style high-rise.
Seattle’s Modern Marvels
Seattle’s architectural legacy isn’t closed off for the history books. Some of the most famous buildings of Seattle are modern day marvels that continue to set new benchmarks for architecture across the world.
Columbia Center: Seattle’s Tallest Building
The Columbia Center is a must-visit spot for compelling views of Seattle’s skyline. It stands at a neck-stretching 933 ft. high, and is currently the highest point in the city (but not for long!). The Sky View Observatory at the top dwarfs even the iconic Space Needle and is the best place to see Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and other famous buildings of Seattle.
Their Sky View Café offers specialty cocktails, making it a great destination for special events. Visitors to the 76-story Columbia Center can also book the observatory for private events such as proposals to add an irreplaceable backdrop to their event.
Circus Fun Awaits You!
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Seattle Spheres: Nature Meets Architecture
The Seattle Spheres were built in 2017, and showcase the unique biophilic design, a symbol of the city’s connection to nature. It’s easily one of the most distinct co-working spaces in the city. Housing over 40,000 plants in the heart of the urban sprawl of Seattle, the three large spheres are both a stunning visual break from the monotony and an oasis, harboring peaceful plant life.
Visitors to the Spheres can reserve ahead of time to experience this new age architecture in South Lake Union free of cost. Be sure to research the specific areas you want to explore as the visits are generally limited to an hour.
Seattle Central Library: A Vision in Glass and Steel
The Seattle Central Library is a public space that’s considered vital to the community. Its very existence is proof that libraries don’t have to be boring in their design. The facility was designed by award-winning architect Rem Koolhaas. He sought to reimagine how public spaces are perceived by using contemporary design aesthetics for Seattle Central Library. At first glance, details like the floating platforms and the glass facade make the downtown library appear as a flowing and impressive structure that challenges your imagination. However the design by LMN Architects is also highly functional and masterfully integrates a revolving book spiral to organize and display their collection.
The airy reading areas and large windows that let in plenty of daylight make it a wonderful addition to Seattle’s public spaces.
Famous Cultural and Artistic Buildings
Architecture, art, and culture all influence each other. Many of Seattle’s famous buildings present an opportunity to experience all three in one go. Explore why these must-see destinations need to be on your travel list for Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): A Frank Gehry Creation
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a celebration of the rich legacy of Seattle, and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to understand the historic events that shaped the city. Seattle, after all, is an iconic jazz destination and in later years the birthplace of grunge, Seattle has a deep connection with music and pop culture. MoPOP invites visitors to explore a treasure trove of Jimi Hendrix's memorabilia, driven by Microsoft founder Paul Allen's passion for the music.
The futuristic architectural design of MoPOP is a work of art in itself, created by using three-thousand panels. Spread across 140,000 square feet, the MoPOP building was designed to remind visitors about the ethereal quality to music and culture.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: A Tribute to Art
The intentional architecture of Chihuly Garden and Glass is a celebration of artist Dale Chihuly’s vibrant creation. Located just minutes from the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-visit art destination in the city.
The outdoor exhibition design is famous for its unique use of plant life in juxtaposition with ocean-themed glass art. The indoor space which doubles up as an event venue or a performance space, features a 100 feet long surreal artwork that best encapsulates the creativity and passion of Dale Chihuly.
Suzzallo Library: A Collegiate Gothic Masterpiece
The Suzzallo Library is an ode to the classic architectural design, a contrast from the contemporary style of the Seattle Central Library. With its gothic arches, bell tower, and tinted glass, you might mistake the Suzzallo Library for a cathedral at first. The construction of Suzzallo Library was completed in four phases across seven decades. As a result, the library offers a rare glimpse into how influences from diverse eras can be integrated seamlessly to create a timeless masterpiece.
Seattle’s Green and Sustainable Architecture
The city of Seattle has always been a pioneer in creating and regulating framework for sustainability. As a result, some of the most famous buildings in Seattle have set new benchmarks with their use of sustainable materials and commitment to net-zero policies.
Climate Pledge Arena: Carbon-Zero Innovation
The Climate Pledge Arena is a bold attempt to set an example of how large performance spaces can help with climate change. Because the event industry is one of the leading contributors to greenhouse emissions across the world, its construction is important.
Since it became operational in 2021, the Climate Change Arena has consistently aimed to achieve zero-carbon targets for major events - such as the opening concert by Foo Fighters.
The arena continues to measure impact across categories such as water conservation, transit usage, and zero wastage to ensure that it contributes to the 2040 net zero targets set by the UN.
Pike Place MarketFront: Sustainability Meets Culture
Pike Place market is the heart of Seattle’s culture and represents a continuing legacy of many businesses that have called it home over the years. This famous destination in Seattle is also a wonderful example of how sustainability can become part of retail spaces.
In 2017, the new Pike Place MarketFront was opened, putting forth pedestrian-oriented design and preservation of the historic character of the Pike Place.
The new MarketFront was designed to maximize the potential of Pike Place by incorporating mixed-use development elements to reduce the sprawl. The project also underscored the need to involve the local community in democratizing how public spaces are reimagined.
Neighborhood Icons and Hidden Gems
Seattle is home to some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the United States such as Capitol Hill and Fremont. Over the years, each community has developed their own local legends. To truly understand the city’s composite culture, one must at least pay a passing visit to these hidden gems in Seattle. !
King Street Station: A Gateway to History
A trip to the King Street Station lets you time travel back to an era of grand monuments driven by the frontier spirit. The classic revivalist and Beaux-Arts blend of architectural style designed by Charles Reed, highlights the grand imagination behind the landmark being an entry point to the vibrant Seattle.
Rail roads were not simply meant to connect cities, they were the gateways and required the gravitas of one. This is why the motifs and other design hallmarks leave no stone unturned to convey the grandness. For example, the 250-foot clock tower at the King Street Station is an inspired tribute to the original St. Mark's Campanile in Venice.
When you experience the attention to small details such as the ornate plasterwork, and stained-glass windows, you realize why the King Street Station is one of the most famous buildings in Seattle.
Arctic Club Building: A Nod to the Gold Rush Era
The Arctic Club building owes its existence to the Klondike Gold Rush and Seattle’s connection to it.
The gold rush was a thrilling era in the growth of the United States, which ultimately resulted in the unique melting pot society of Seattle.
The gold rush created a new, wealthy class that needed a community space to symbolize their success - and the Arctic Club was the answer! The club's lavish design, with its iconic Walrus head sculptures, elegant Alaskan marble accents, and dazzling Art Deco flourishes, secures its place as a Seattle architectural icon.
Today, the Arctic Club Building still preserves its original charm and features with adaptive reuse as a hotel in 2001. It’s one of the rarest famous buildings of Seattle that you can stay in!
Tallest Buildings in Seattle: A Timeline of Growth
Seattle’s skyline is distinctive with many tall rises that each have a rich legacy and history behind them. However, Seattle is still growing with new skyscrapers being added every year. Here's a brief timeline of how the city has evolved from its first high rise building, to some of the new ones being constructed right now.
History of Seattle’s Skyline
1914: The Smith Tower
The Smith Tower is a 38-story Neoclassical tower, undoubtedly the first skyscraper in Seattle. Smith Tower was the tallest building west of Mississippi for over fifty years! Its distinct pyramid top makes it easily identifiable even today.
Where is it? 506 Second Avenue
1962: The Space Needle
The Space Needle was imagined as a symbol of scientific progress with its futuristic design, and to this day, is one of the most famous buildings in the city. Does its piercing silhouette look similar to you? That’s because it was inspired by Germany's Stuttgart Tower.
Where is it? 400 Broad Street
1977: The Rainier Tower
The Rainier Tower was designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki. The Rainier Tower beat the Smith Tower to become the tallest building in Seattle. Its brutalist design and distinctive inverted pyramid-shaped tower base makes it one of the most famous buildings in Seattle for architecture enthusiasts.
Where is it? 400 Rainier Avenue South
1985: The Columbia Center
The Columbia Center is currently the tallest building in Seattle. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to see all of the city’s impressive skyscrapers.
Where is it? 701 Fifth Avenue
2006: Russell Investment Center
An integral part of the sports community, the Russell Investment Center is famous for displaying "12" during Seattle Seahawks games. The 12 stands for how, in 2003, 12 original season ticket holders hoisted a 12 flag for the first time. It’s now considered a symbol of the support of Seahawks fans, and remains a home game tradition. That’s why it’s sometimes known as the ‘12 Building’ to locals.
Where is it? 701 Fifth Avenue
2021: The Rainier Square Tower
The second tallest building in Seattle, the Rainier Square Tower is a 514-foot modern skyscraper famous for its curved shape.
Where is it? 401 Union Street
Upcoming High-Rise Buildings in Seattle
Currently under construction, the Seattle skyline is set for a new era of iconic buildings, starting with the 4/C or 4th & Columbia, which will replace the Columbia Center as the tallest building in the city.
At the intersection of 7th and Battery, 45 stories tall Sloane Tower will offer a new prime location to catch the stunning view of the Space Needle. Last but not least, at the Denny Triangle, the 45-storied twin towers of Seattle House will house over 1,100 apartments.
Want to See More of Seattle?
You could try, but it might take more than one trip to visit all the famous buildings of Seattle. Good thing you’ve got this article as a reference. If you need a break from touring the many famous landmarks in the city, you can discover an otherworldly adventure with Cirque du Soleil. Discover our shows in Seattle when we’re in town and get set to experience something unforgettable!