Beneath Pike Place Market, The Gum Wall covers the brick walls of Post Alley with layers of colorful chewing gum. The tradition began in the early 1990s with people waiting near the Market Theater, and the display has grown into one of Seattle’s more unusual photo stops. Look closely for names, shapes and patterns among the gum, or take in the full stretch of the alley. Its sweet, artificial smell is part of the experience, so this stop is a poor fit if chewed gum puts you off.
How the wall began
The Gum Wall is in Post Alley beneath Pike Place Market, beside the Market Theater. The practice of pressing gum onto the alley’s brick walls began in the early 1990s with people waiting for theater performances. Coins were sometimes pressed into the gum, too.
Attempts to clean the wall did not end the practice. After the gum was removed, people began adding it again, and the wall continued to change. What you see today is a display built up by many people over time, rather than a fixed artwork.
What to look for in Post Alley
The gum covers more than one stretch of wall, with layers and colors that can be seen from along the alley. Up close, look for names, hearts and patterns made by arranging pieces in different shapes. From farther back, the many colors blend into a broad, textured display against the brick.
The smell is noticeable and sweet, like artificial fruit gum. That sensory detail is part of the visit, but it can make the alley unpleasant for anyone sensitive to the smell or uneasy about used chewing gum. The display is best approached as a place to look and take photos; avoid touching it.
Finding the wall from the market
Post Alley sits below Pike Place Market. From the market, follow the signs toward the Gum Wall and head downhill to the alley. The nearby Market Theater is a useful landmark for understanding how the tradition started.
The stop takes only a few minutes, so it fits naturally into time spent exploring the market. If you want a photo without a crowd around you, arrive early. Later in the day, people often gather to take pictures, and you may need to wait for a clear view.
Häufige Fragen
Where is The Gum Wall in Seattle?
It is in Post Alley beneath Pike Place Market, near the Market Theater. Follow the signs from the market downhill toward the alley.
How long do you need at The Gum Wall?
About 10 to 15 minutes is enough for a look and a few photos.
When is the best time to visit The Gum Wall?
Go early in the day for fewer people in your photos.
Can you add gum to The Gum Wall?
People have added gum to the wall since the early 1990s. Bring your own if you choose to take part, and avoid touching the existing gum.
