Terraced over train tracks, in an unlikely oasis between the water and busy Western Ave, is the 8.5-acre, $85-million Olympic Sculpture Park. Worth a visit just for its views of the Olympic Mountains over Elliott Bay, the park has various large contemporary sculptures and is popular with joggers and dog-walkers.
More than 20 sculptures dot the landscape, including Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, with its weird blue sprouts bristling over Elliott Ave. Also look for The Eagle, Alexander Calder’s 39ft-tall red steel creation from 1971, which crouches along the horizon of the park. Tony Smith’s Wandering Rocks zigzags up the hill in the Ketcham Families Grove, and is highlighted by black geometric shapes inspired by molecules and crystals.
The pavilion building at the top of the park contains a small cafe, restrooms, a gift shop, wi-fi and visitor information (limited hours).
