When people think of Seattle, they may imagine iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle or the first Starbucks. However, there is one peculiar and surprising attraction that has become a must-see for both tourists and locals: the Seattle Gum Wall. Located in Post Alley, near Pike Place Market, this unusual art installation has become a cultural landmark of the city.
The Origin of the Gum Wall
The Seattle Gum Wall began as an improvised creation in the early 1990s. Theatergoers waiting in line at the Market Theater started sticking chewing gum on the brick walls, and the act quickly became a curious tradition.
Over time, what started as a simple gesture grew into an expanding display of colorful gum. Now, the wall holds more than a million pieces of gum and extends beyond its original location, making it a unique part of the city’s public art scene.
An Unexpected Tourist Attraction
The Seattle Gum Wall has become a popular tourist attraction, with people from all over the world flocking to the site. The wall is often described as a “hidden gem” of the city. Visitors are not only drawn to the wall itself, but also to the unusual and somewhat repulsive experience of seeing chewed gum stuck to the bricks.
While some visitors find the sight unpleasant, many find it fascinating and even fun. People willingly add their gum to the wall, contributing their own piece of “art” to this ever-growing display.
A Cultural Oddity and Part of Seattle’s Charm
The Seattle Gum Wall may not be for everyone, especially germophobes, but it holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its eccentricity. For some, the idea of leaving a piece of their DNA on the wall adds to its charm. Many visitors simply want to be part of it and add their gum to the collection, hoping to find their own piece of gum on the wall in a few years.
The Cleanup and Its Impact
The famous Seattle Gum Wall was recently cleaned for the first time in 20 years (in 2015), but as often happens, old habits die hard. Despite the cleaning, it didn’t take long for the wall to be covered in gum again.
Some visitors commented that they weren’t sure if the wall was truly clean, as it seemed not to be completely so. Soon, many realized that people had already started sticking gum back onto the wall, and before long, it would be full again. The cleaning, though brief, seemed to be an invitation for more people to leave their mark on the wall.
The wall was cleaned again in 2019 and 2024. However, the Gum Wall continues to exist as an unusual attraction in Seattle.
How to Get to the Seattle Gum Wall
Take the ramp (you’ll spot the Market Theater sign) located to the left of the main entrance, which is marked by the large neon “Public Market” sign, at Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Once at the bottom of the ramp, turn left into Post Alley, where you’ll find the Gum Wall on both sides.