What is the gum wall at Pike Place Market?

The Gum Wall is a famous,, albeit "gross," public art installation in Seattle's Post Alley, located beneath Pike Place Market near the Market Theater. It is a brick wall covered in several inches of chewed gum, stretching 50 feet long and 15 feet high, originating in the 1990s as a, quirky, tourist, tradition.

Why is the Gum Wall famous?

Established improv theater company, Unexpected Productions, began leasing the building 1991. Soon after, a patron waiting in the ticket line to see Theatresports, a popular competition improv comedy show (still running today), stuck a piece of chewed gum to the wall, topping it with a penny. Others soon followed suit.

How often does the gum wall get cleaned?

Nowadays it's around eight feet high and 54 feet wide. For the first 20 years of the Gum Wall's existence, it was only cleaned once. Removing 20 years' worth of gum and debris was such a Herculean task that from then on, the Gum Wall has been cleaned every four to five years.

Is the Gum Wall in Seattle free?

The Wall of Gum: Fun Facts

Enjoy these fun facts about the once clean and unassuming brick alleyway that has become one of Seattle's top free tourist destinations.

What is the 75 80 rule in Seattle?

The "75/80 Rule" in Seattle is a zoning exception for developing undersized lots in single-family areas, allowing construction if a parcel is at least 75% of the zone's minimum lot size and at least 80% of the average lot size on the same block, helping to fit new homes into established neighborhoods by matching surrounding lot dimensions and scale. This rule, found in the Seattle.gov publications Seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/Tip255.pdf and Seattle.gov publications Seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/cam213A.pdf, provides an alternative to strict minimum lot size requirements, often with associated height limits to maintain neighborhood character.
 

The Gum Wall Virtual Walk- Pike Place Market - Seattle Washington

Does the Seattle Gum Wall smell?

You can smell it before you see it... I was brought to Pike Place Market by my local friends, and as we approached the fish stalls, I noticed the scent of spearmint in the air. For a second I thought someone must've been smoking menthols nearby, but no; it's just an entire wall caked with a thick layer of chewing gum.

What is the most famous street in Seattle?

Alaskan Way is the epicentre of all things Seattle tourism, including iconic sights and panoramic views of Puget Sound. The bustling street stretches south from Olympic Sculpture Park for several miles under the shadow of the city's skyline.

When was the last time they cleaned the gum wall in Seattle?

In 2015, cleaning crews cleared off one ton of gum and debris from the walls. It was the first cleaning since the odd tradition started in the 1990s. Gum started collecting on the brick and concrete as people waited in line for improv theater shows. Then, the walls were cleaned off again four years later, in 2019.

What is the story behind the underground in Seattle?

You've probably heard of the Seattle Underground, but how did it come about? It all started with the Great Seattle Fire of 1889... After streets and sidewalks were raised, underground passages were left behind, as shown on the left side of the drawing.

How many pieces of gum are on the gum wall?

The Pike Place Market's "Gum Wall" alleyway has attracted locals and tourists for more than 20 years, where their colorful wads of gum have become staples of the city. That is, until today. A steam machine is blasting away the estimated 1 million pieces of gum, but not necessarily for purely hygienic purposes.

What is the oldest neighborhood in Seattle?

Founded in the 1850s, Pioneer Square is Seattle's oldest neighborhood, and it has remained an important part of the city's identity ever since. The local lifestyle is a perfect blend of urban convenience and small-town charm, and the community is close-knit and friendly.

Why is Seattle called Rat City?

White Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in King County, Washington, United States. It lies between West Seattle and Burien. White Center is sometimes referred to by the nickname "Rat City" due to the historical presence of a military Relocation and Training Center during World War II.

How old is The Gum Wall?

It originated inadvertently around the Market Theater in the 1990s and later evolved into a tourist attraction and local landmark.

Why do people like Seattle so much?

Outdoor Living and Stunning Scenery

Seattle's breathtaking natural beauty is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts when thinking about moving to Seattle: Hiking & Skiing: Proximity to the Olympic and Cascade Mountains means year-round outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and biking.

Can I put gum on the gum wall in Seattle?

Over time, the wall became a popular spot for locals and tourists to add their own gum to the collection, and it has now grown into a colorful and unique piece of public art. And it is as disgusting as it sounds. ⁠

What was the first piece of gum on the gum wall?

The story goes that Unexpected Productions — the city's longest-running improv theatre — started leasing this historic brick building in 1991. For reasons we'll never know, a patron waiting in line for a show one night stuck a piece of chewed gum on the alley wall and topped it with a penny.

What's something you can only get in Seattle?

24 Things You Can Get Only in Seattle

• Craft beers. There are so many incredible microbreweries in Seattle, and you'll often find locals sipping craft brews all over the city. ...
• Pacific Northwest smoked salmon. ...
• Geoduck. ...
• Bacon jam. ...
• Native American art. ...
• Pacific Northwest jewelry. ...
• Handmade cheese. ...
• Space Needle figurine.

Where do celebs hang out in Seattle?

Top 10 Best Celebrity Hangouts Near Seattle, Washington

• All "Celebrity Hangouts" results near me in Seattle, Washington - January 2026.
• The Pink Door. 4.4 (7.9k reviews) ...
• Paper Fan Cocktail Bar. 4.5 (86 reviews) ...
• The Hideout. 4.1 (319 reviews) ...
• Six Seven Restaurant. 4.1 (1.4k reviews) ...
• Bangrak Market. ...
• The Nest. ...
• The Vertigo Club.

What should you not miss in Seattle?

Top Attractions in Seattle

• Chihuly Garden and Glass. 4.8. (25,232) Art Museums. ...
• Space Needle. 4.3. (20,317) ...
• Pike Place Market. 4.5. (22,125) ...
• The Museum of Flight. 4.7. (6,958) ...
• Washington State Ferries. 4.6. (8,628) ...
• Museum of Pop Culture. 4.2. (7,349) ...
• Kerry Park. 4.6. (3,530) ...
• Sky View Observatory. 4.6. (2,665)

Is Seattle in the Ring of Fire?

Due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Seattle is in a major earthquake zone.