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Inside Seattle Center - Seattle
Inside Seattle Center
by LeoM
Seattle Center tips and photos posted by real travelers and Seattle locals.
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Seattle Center: Smith Tower Observation Deck
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  • starship
  • Updated By starship on May 5, 2008
  • Seattle Page by starship
  • Smith Tower - Seattle
    Smith Tower
    by starship
    We didn't actually go into the Smith Tower, but walked by it in Pioneer Square on our way to the Underground Tour. I wish now that we would have gone in it! I really feel as though I missed a real gem!

    Opened on July 4, 1915, it was Seattle's first skyscraper. At a height of 522 feet it was considered the 4th tallest building in the world and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi for almost 50 years. It is quite the architectural masterpiece with its Washington granite and white terra cotta exterior! Inside the hallways and bathrooms are "lined with Alaskan marble" and the floors are made of hand-laid mosaic tiles, while the "grand lobby" is paneled entirely in Mexican onyx and watched over by 22 larger than life" carved Indian heads.

    The "Crown Jewel" of the Smith Tower is the 35th Floor Chinese Room. It is a treasure trove of 17th century art and boasts a hand-carved teakwood ceiling inlaid with 776 semi-precious porcelain disks. The brochure states that uniformed elevator operators still main the original 1914 Otis elevators which are brass and copper caged works of art themselves.

    (2008 Prices)
    Obervation Deck Admission: $7.50 Adults
    $6.00 Seniors 61 + and students with ID
    $5.00 children 6 - 12yrs

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  • Address: 506 Second Avenue, Seattle
  • Phone: 206-622-3131
  • Directions: In the heart of Pioneer Square near Yesler Way
  • Website: %cbwww.smithtower.com
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    Seattle Center: Seattle Center
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  • jamiesno
  • Updated By jamiesno on May 30, 2005
  • Seattle Page by jamiesno
  • Seattle Center - Seattle
    Seattle Center
    by jamiesno
    Seattle Center is home to Seattle's most famous land mark that being the Space Needle however there is a lot more there than just the space needle.

    I didn't have much time to explore it all but will take more time next time around. Key Arena is there, the Experience Music Project, an amusement park, nice park areas and a massive fountain. Not the one seen in this picture. I would have showed a picture of it but on the day of my visit there was still no water in it. I guess where it was still spring and arasnosliw was so excited to show it to me :-) It is actually called the International Fountain built for the World Fair in 1962.

    There are theatres, science center, skate parks and a lot more. At the web site I have there you can find a map of all the facilities.

    Chances are if your in Seattle you will be spending some time in this area. You can get the mono-rail right to it.

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    Seattle Center: Feel Like A Kid Again
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  • Johnscarroll
  • Updated By Johnscarroll on August 20, 2005
  • Seattle Page by Johnscarroll
  • Space Needle and Science Center - Seattle
    Space Needle and Science
    Center
    by Johnscarroll
    The Seattle Center is the civic heart of the city and it's most popular tourist destination - I include locals in this too.

    The campus is modern architecturally. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, Seattle Center includes the new and spectacular McCaw Hall for the opera and ballet. Also, there is the Key Area for basketball and concerts. The fantastic Seattle Children's Theater is located here. Also, the Pacific Science Center maintains a huge presence along the south edge of the campus. There is a small ammusement park open April - September, and of course, the Space Needle.

    The price to ride the elevator to the observation deck is totally ridiculous - and I still pay it when I have new guests in town. The view can't be beat, especially during the summer.

    At the base of the Needle is the Experience Music Project and the new Science Fiction Museum. I love both! They are unique in the entire world - half museum and half ammusement park. I highly recommend these sights for anyone who grew up on the group Chicago, Jimi Hendrix, and Star Trek.

    The heart of the The Center is the International Fountain. It's a great place for a picnic, people watching, and cooling off on a hot summer day. I hope you brought a towel!

    The Seattle Monorail connects to Downtown at Westlake Center.

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  • Address: Between Denny, Mercer, 5th, and Queen Anne Av
  • Website: www.seattlecenter.com
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    Seattle Center: Seattle Center
  • Tip Rating:
  • sarahandgareth
  • By sarahandgareth on June 1, 2004
  • Seattle Page by sarahandgareth
  • International Fountain, Seattle Center - Seattle
    International Fountain,
    Seattle Center
    by sarahandgareth
    When talking about Seattle Center, most people probably immediately think of the big landmarks - the Space Needle, the EMP, the Science Center, or the Key Arena. Those things are nice, but the Seattle Center is so much more than that.

    Our favorite spot is the International Fountain. The water is choreographed to music, dancing right along to Irish jigs, classical music, and more contemporary songs. It is an amazing sight to see in any weather, although summer is an extra treat with children and adults alike running around in the water.

    In addition, Seattle Center is home to many festivals showcasing everything from food to music including all things in between.

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  • Directions: Just go towards the Space Needle and you can't miss it.
  • Website: http://www.seattlecenter.com/
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    Seattle Center: Seattle Center
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  • bellatrix
  • By bellatrix on April 5, 2003
  • Seattle Page by bellatrix
  • Seattle Center main building - Seattle
    Seattle Center main building
    by bellatrix
    At some point during your Seattle explorations, you might end up at the Seattle Center. The SC is located right by the Space Needle and is a popular location for prominent events in Seattle. The SC is a venue for concerts, festivals, performing arts endeavors. Other parts of the Seattle Center are the Key Arena (where sports and productions take place), the EMP (Experience Music Project), the Pacific Science Center (a hands-on science museum, great for kids), the Pacific Science Center IMAX, the International Fountain (another neat place for kids) and the beginning of the monorail. The Seattle Center is definitely worth a visit because of its wide range of fun things to do.

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  • Address: Mercer Street and 2nd Ave North
  • Phone: (206)684-7200
  • Directions: Directions: http://www.seattlecenter.com/transportation/directions.asp
  • Website: http://www.seattlecenter.com/
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    Seattle Center: Seattle Science Center
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  • Carmanah
  • Updated By Carmanah on February 15, 2003
  • Seattle Page by Carmanah
  • The Seattle Science Center is an interactive exhibit great for kids and families. The center consists of several connected buildings which host unique scientific exhibits. Inside are all kinds of scientific hands-on displays, perfect for an afternoon with the family.

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  • Directions: Seattle Center, next to the Space Needle
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    Seattle Center: The Seattle Science Center
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  • Venturingnow
  • Updated By Venturingnow on February 3, 2003
  • Seattle Page by Venturingnow
  • Will put up science center photo soon - Seattle
    Will put up science
    center photo soon
    by Venturingnow
    Seattle has a somewhat impressive Science Center that would be really cool for kids. I went an saw an IMAX show because I had a free admission ticket, other adults may find it quite boring, just like other science centers. Though, they do have free internet service if you need to check your email. There are two IMAX theaters, a large one, and a smaller one. Both are good and show a variety of shows throughout the day. The cost to enter the Center are as follows; Adults: $9.00, Kids: $6.50, under 3 is free. Open 10-6 during the summer, during school year, hours are 10-5 on weekdays, 10-6 on weekends.

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  • Directions: It's on 200 2nd Avenue, next door to a 7-11 and off of Denny Way too. It's also nearby to the Space Needle if you need a visable landmark
  • Website: www.pacsci.org
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    Seattle Center: Seattle Center
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  • SteveOSF
  • By SteveOSF on October 18, 2008
  • Seattle Page by SteveOSF
  • Seattle Center - Seattle
    Seattle Center
    by SteveOSF
    The Seattle Center is a remnant of the World’s Fair. Today, it resembles an amusement park complete with bumper cars, carnival rides, and a carousel. Its large open space is home to several special events. The Seattle Center is also one of the two stops on the monorail. The base of the Space Needle is located there. Both the Experience music Project and the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame are found at Seattle Center.

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    Seattle Center: Have a bunch of fantastic ladies..
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  • Maria250
  • Updated By Maria250 on November 8, 2008
  • Seattle Page by Maria250
  • Seattle Center - Seattle
    by Maria250, 2 more photos
    ..taking you for a stroll through Seattle down town.

    "Because it is surrounded on three sides by water, built on six hills, and divided into numerous neighborhoods, Seattle can be a very confusing city to visitors. While most of its top attractions are located downtown, there are places of interest in other areas, too, including eclectic neighborhoods and attractive parks. In other words, the city's charms aren't all right in your face, and those that aren't can be difficult to find. This section, which includes information on the city's layout, its neighborhoods, and the basics of how to get around, will help you get out and explore so you can get to know the real Seattle."
    -Frommer's Review

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    Seattle Center: Lost in Space
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  • dinhyen
  • Updated By dinhyen on September 5, 2002
  • Seattle Page by dinhyen
  • Seattle Center - Seattle
    by dinhyen
    The Space Center is probably Seattle's most recognizable landmark. Built for the 1962 World Fair (the World Fair seems to be the progenitor of many tall towers), the Space Needle stands 605 feet tall. The complex has been turned into an amusement park which may or may not be what you come to see.

    However, nearby is something you should not miss. The Experience Music Project is housed in a Frank Gehry-designed structure that resembles a modern-art sculpture more than a building. Mere mention of the name of the brainchild of the Bilbao Guggenheim museum and other eye-popping buildings should give you an idea of what to expect.

    The sleek steel-and-glass structure resembles crumpled metal. Its smooth sides of riveted steel plates are reminiscent of the metal skin of an aircraft, but its writhing shape creates the eerie impression of a monstrous creature that's very much alive. There's no right angle to be seen anywhere. And if this is to be the representation of something organic, you'd be hard-pressed to tell which end is the head and which is the tail...

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