The Spheres are three connected glass domes at Amazon’s headquarters on 7th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Inside, a multi-level indoor garden brings together around 40,000 plants from cloud forests and other regions, with paths winding past tropical greenery and quiet seating areas. Public visits are limited, with free access on select Saturdays by reservation, so check the official website before planning around an interior visit. Even if you cannot go inside, you can see the glass structures from outside and take in their distinctive architecture.
Three domes at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters
The Spheres stand at 2111 7th Ave, among the office towers of Amazon’s downtown Seattle headquarters. Designed by NBBJ, the connected glass structures opened in 2018 as a place for employees to work and gather. Their curved outlines and extensive glass panels make the domes visible from the surrounding streets, so you can appreciate the architecture even when the interiors are closed to the public.
Inside, the building is arranged as a multi-level conservatory. The plant collection includes around 40,000 specimens, with species from cloud forests and other parts of the world. The planting and glass enclosure give the space the feel of an indoor rainforest, set apart from the surrounding downtown streets.
The garden’s main features
A prominent feature is the Canyon Living Wall, which rises 62 feet and spans 50 feet. Paths lead through the garden across several levels, including a suspension bridge that winds upward toward a meeting area known as the Bird’s Nest. The route gives you different views across the plants and the glass structure.
There are also seating areas and a cafe inside. The Spheres function as a workplace as well as a conservatory, so the interior is designed for people to spend time among the plants, not simply pass through an exhibit. A visit can combine a walk through the garden with a pause in one of the communal spaces.
Planning a public visit
Public access is restricted. The available information describes free visits on the first and third Saturdays of the month, with advance registration required. Dates and reservation availability can change, so confirm the current arrangements on The Spheres’ official website before setting your plans. Do not assume you can enter without a reservation.
If you cannot get inside, the exterior is still accessible to view from downtown. The glass domes stand out against the neighboring office buildings, and you can walk around the area to see their shape from different angles. For an interior visit, allow up to an hour to explore the garden’s paths and levels.
FAQ
Can the public visit The Spheres?
Yes, but public access is limited to select Saturdays and requires a reservation. Check the official website for current dates and availability.
Is there an admission fee?
Public visits are described as free, but you need to reserve a place for an available date.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to walk through the indoor garden.
Can I see The Spheres without going inside?
Yes. You can view the glass domes from outside in downtown Seattle, even when public interior access is unavailable.
