Olympic Sculpture Park is a scenic green space nestled along the shores of Elliott Bay, located just outside the heart of downtown Seattle. The park showcases an ever-changing collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures, with installations rotated periodically to keep the experience fresh. During our visit, one of the featured pieces on display was Father and Son (above).
One of the most visually captivating sculptures we encountered was Echo. This towering piece bears a subtle resemblance to the iconic Moai statues of Easter Island, giving it a mysterious and monumental presence that draws attention from across the park.
Another intriguing piece we came across was titled Incredible Bench—an abstract sculpture whose name is arguably even more abstract than the artwork itself. Its unconventional form challenges traditional notions of what a bench should be, adding a playful yet thought-provoking element to the park's collection.
My personal favorite from the visit was The Eagle. What makes this piece truly stand out is how dramatically its appearance shifts depending on your viewpoint. From one angle, it might resemble a soaring bird; from another, it transforms into an abstract burst of energy.
A significant part of what makes the park so special is its stunning natural setting. Winding pathways invite visitors to walk, jog, or cycle through the space, all while enjoying sweeping views over Puget Sound. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the majestic Olympic Peninsula, adding a breathtaking backdrop to the artistic experience.
Wildlife is abundant around Olympic Sculpture Park, adding a lively touch to the serene atmosphere. During our visit, we spotted a pair of gray gulls combing the shoreline in search of their morning meal, a charming reminder of how nature and art coexist seamlessly in this vibrant space.
We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a small pod of harbor porpoises gliding through the waters just off the park’s shoreline.
We also saw a flock of Canada Geese on the move, their distinctive honking echoing through the park. Their presence brought back warm memories of our time in Calgary, where their seasonal migrations were a familiar sign that the long, harsh winter was finally giving way to spring.
Olympic Sculpture Park is uniquely intersected by a busy railway corridor, used by both BNSF freight trains and Sounder commuter trains.
