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International Fountain: Seattle's Sparkling Centerpiece

Seattle's iconic International Fountain: A mesmerizing blend of water, music, and light in the heart of Seattle Center.

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The International Fountain in Seattle Center is a dynamic water sculpture originally built for the 1962 World's Fair [2, 3]. Featuring choreographed water jets set to music, it offers a mesmerizing display for visitors of all ages [16, 19].

A brief summary to International Fountain

Local tips

  • Visit during the afternoon for the best lighting for photos [16].
  • Bring a blanket for a comfortable spot to relax on the grass [16].
  • Check the Seattle Center schedule for live music events to enhance your visit [16].
  • Kids love to play near the fountain, so consider bringing a change of clothes [16].
  • Explore nearby attractions like the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden for a full day of fun [16].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in Seattle Center, the International Fountain is centrally located and easily accessible on foot [16]. Look for the large, open space; the fountain is a prominent feature [16].

  • Public Transport

    Seattle Center is well-served by public transportation [6, 9, 12]. Numerous bus routes, including Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31, and 33, and the Rapid Ride D Line, stop near Seattle Center [6, 9, 12]. The Seattle Center Monorail provides a direct link from Westlake Center in downtown Seattle [6, 12, 15]. A one-way fare on the Monorail is $3.00 [15].

  • Ride Sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Seattle [15]. Suggested drop-off locations include Republican St and Warren Ave N, the Harrison Street turnaround, the Mercer St/Marion Oliver McCaw Hall drop-off zone, and the Denny Way/Pacific Science Center drop-off zone [6, 12].

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near Seattle Center, including the 5th Ave N Garage and the Mercer St Garage [4, 12]. Parking rates vary, with hourly rates ranging from $6 for up to 1 hour, $13 for 1-2 hours, $15 for 2-12 hours, and $30 for 12-24 hours [4]. Rates may be higher during events [4, 14]. Monthly parking is also available [5]. Street parking may be available but can be limited, especially during events [14].

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Discover more about International Fountain

The International Fountain, a centerpiece of Seattle Center, provides a refreshing and captivating experience [16, 19]. Originally constructed for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair (also known as the Century 21 Exposition), the fountain has become an iconic landmark, symbolizing the city's forward-thinking spirit [2, 3, 7]. Designed by Japanese architects Kazuyuki Matsushita and Hideki Shimizu, the fountain was intended to reflect mankind's efforts to explore outer space [3, 7]. Their design focused on the beauty of water in motion, using jets and parabolic shapes to create a dynamic display [3, 7]. The fountain was renovated in 1995, enhancing its features with updated technology [2, 3]. The fountain boasts 272 water jets that shoot streams up to 120 feet high, all synchronized to a diverse selection of music [16, 22]. The interplay of water, music, and light creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it a popular gathering place [19, 16]. Visitors can relax on the surrounding grassy areas and benches, enjoying the show [16]. The fountain operates year-round, with interactive features most enjoyable during warmer months [19]. At night, colorful lights illuminate the water, adding a magical dimension to the experience [16]. The International Fountain is surrounded by other attractions, including the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and Chihuly Garden and Glass, making it easy to spend a full day exploring Seattle Center [16, 22].

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