International Fountain, Seattle
The International Fountain underwent a thorough renovation in July 2021, following a three-month closure. The renovation included the replacement of 56 out of the fountain's 274 water jets, the installation of vibrant LED lighting, and the re-caulking of 5,000 feet of sealant around the large metal water dome. Additionally, the technology and electrical systems were upgraded.
Originally built as a prominent feature for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the fountain was designed to evoke the spirit of outer space exploration. The presence of protruding nozzles and jagged, irregular white rocks surrounding the original silver metal dome aimed to create a "lunar landscape" ambiance. However, these elements made the fountain less accessible to visitors. In a rebuild carried out in 1995, the nozzles and rocks were removed, and numerous flat jets were installed on the new stainless steel dome's surface. This modification allowed for more interactive play and engagement. Consequently, the fountain quickly became a focal point of the grounds, with children splashing in its basin and attempting to outwit its super shooters.
The recent maintenance work focused on updating the mechanical components of the fountain, ensuring its longevity as a beloved attraction for the community well into the future.
It is worth noting that the International Fountain also prioritizes environmental stewardship. The fountain operates with a water recycling system and undergoes three types of natural treatment processes before the water reaches the public, making it perhaps the cleanest water feature in the city.
Originally built as a prominent feature for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the fountain was designed to evoke the spirit of outer space exploration. The presence of protruding nozzles and jagged, irregular white rocks surrounding the original silver metal dome aimed to create a "lunar landscape" ambiance. However, these elements made the fountain less accessible to visitors. In a rebuild carried out in 1995, the nozzles and rocks were removed, and numerous flat jets were installed on the new stainless steel dome's surface. This modification allowed for more interactive play and engagement. Consequently, the fountain quickly became a focal point of the grounds, with children splashing in its basin and attempting to outwit its super shooters.
The recent maintenance work focused on updating the mechanical components of the fountain, ensuring its longevity as a beloved attraction for the community well into the future.
It is worth noting that the International Fountain also prioritizes environmental stewardship. The fountain operates with a water recycling system and undergoes three types of natural treatment processes before the water reaches the public, making it perhaps the cleanest water feature in the city.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seattle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
International Fountain on Map
Sight Name: International Fountain
Sight Location: Seattle, USA (See walking tours in Seattle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Seattle, USA (See walking tours in Seattle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Seattle, Washington
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Seattle is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Overlooking Puget Sound's Elliott Bay on the West Coast of the United States, the port city of Seattle is renowned for its surrounding waters, mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland. The largest metropolitan area in today's Washington State had been inhabited by Native Americans for at least 4,000 years prior to the European pioneers. The first European to set... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings Tour
Seattle, Washington, boasts a wealth of religious sites of various denominations – together reflecting the city's diverse spiritual heritage. Besides being purely centers of faith, these buildings are an important part of the city's historical heritage, some of them standing as architectural marvels, each with its unique story.
Trinity Parish Church, founded in 1865, is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Trinity Parish Church, founded in 1865, is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Seattle Architecture Walking Tour
In terms of towering skyscrapers abuzz with commerce, upscale shopping & dining, and splendid theaters, Downtown Seattle resembles many American cities. At the same time, it is also unexpectedly pleasant with hills, outdoor sculptures, and peek-a-boo views of Elliot Bay's sparkling water. Still, the diverse architectural landscape of the city is distinctive primarily for its landmark... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Seattle Center Walking Tour
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At the heart of this bustling area stands the iconic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Fremont Neighborhood Walking Tour
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One of its most iconic landmarks is the Fremont Troll, a massive sculpture of a troll lurking underneath the Aurora Bridge.
At the height of its counterculture days, Fremont renamed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of its most iconic landmarks is the Fremont Troll, a massive sculpture of a troll lurking underneath the Aurora Bridge.
At the height of its counterculture days, Fremont renamed... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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