Gum Wall
A bizarre, colorful, and sticky urban art installation in Post Alley, covered in thousands of pieces of chewed gum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Gum Wall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bizarre, colorful, and sticky urban art installation in Post Alley, covered in thousands of pieces of chewed gum.
"It’s weird, kind of gross, totally quirky, and somehow mesmerizing."
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll be touching the walls (or at least near them). Essential for hygiene after your visit.
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Grab a pack of gum from a vendor before you go to add your own sticky contribution.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Colorful Canvas of Gum
Post Alley, Pike Place Market
A vibrant, sticky spectacle of thousands of colorful gum pieces plastered on brick walls.
Interactive Art Installation
Post Alley
Add your own contribution to this ever-evolving, gross-yet-fascinating collaborative art project.
Quirky Photo Opportunity
Post Alley
Capture a unique and memorable photo against a backdrop unlike any other.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Gross: It's Part of the Charm
Location & Timing: Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll be touching the walls (or at least near them). Essential for hygiene after your visit.
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Grab a pack of gum from a vendor before you go to add your own sticky contribution.
Go Early or Late :clock:
Avoid peak hours for a less crowded, more enjoyable experience and better photos.
It's Free! :money_with_wings:
No tickets needed for this unique attraction. Enjoy the spectacle without spending a dime.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Hand Sanitizer! :hand_sanitizer:
You'll be touching the walls (or at least near them). Essential for hygiene after your visit.
Buy Gum Nearby :candy:
Grab a pack of gum from a vendor before you go to add your own sticky contribution.
Go Early or Late :clock:
Avoid peak hours for a less crowded, more enjoyable experience and better photos.
It's Free! :money_with_wings:
No tickets needed for this unique attraction. Enjoy the spectacle without spending a dime.
Look for the Art :art:
Beyond the gum, notice the creative designs and words people have formed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe the Gum Wall as a 'weird yet wonderful' and 'disgustingly creative' collection of gum. While some are mesmerized by the scale and collaborative art, others find it off-putting. It's a unique, free attraction that sparks conversation and offers a quirky photo opportunity.
"A weird yet wonderful collection of gum.
It was so funny to wander through this alley and see the years of chewing gum plastered across the walls. Some folks got creative and formed their gum into a design or word, while others just pressed theirs into place.
I think this could be a fun activity for kids if you picked up a pack of gum and some hand sanitizer first.
Made me smile knowing mankind had come together over the years to participate in the gross but fun collaborative art project.
Do not buy tickets, this is a 100% free activity."
Hayley Di Naso
"The fact that tens of thousands of people, from all over the country and all over the world, have added to something so simple and typically innocuous, simply blows my mind with the sheer magnitude of its size. I loved how people were getting creative with such a simple act, and random strangers were interacting so friendly, helping each other take photos and being polite, when excusing themselves out of the way of a photo being taken. There's a poster wall that adjoins it, which is equally as fascinating with its local and national take on socioeconomic politics as well as general life happenstances. I probably got just as much culture in Post Alley than a pop-up or small museum! Plus, I'm a people watcher, so seeing the interactions was a big part of the experience. I love seeing people happy, and helping each other out, even if they can't communicate through native languages!"
Wesley Angel
"If you’re visiting Seattle, you’ve got to check out The Gum Wall at Pike Place Market. It’s weird, kind of gross, totally quirky, and somehow mesmerizing.
Tucked into Post Alley, this colorful wall of chewed gum has become one of the city’s most iconic spots. It’s like urban art meets candy chaos. It’s definitely one of those “only in Seattle” experiences which you have to see for yourself."
Chris Westwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gum Wall is located in Post Alley, a narrow lane adjacent to Pike Place Market. Look for the stairs or ramp leading down from Pike Street. It's a well-known spot, so asking locals for directions to 'the gum wall' will usually get you there.
Parking is available at the Pike Place Market garages, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly. Consider public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach the market area.
Yes, many bus routes stop near Pike Place Market. It's a convenient way to access the Gum Wall and other downtown attractions. Check King County Metro for routes and schedules.
While the main market area is accessible, Post Alley itself is a narrow, uneven alley. There are ramps available, but navigating the gum-covered walls might be challenging.
From most downtown hotels, it's a pleasant walk to Pike Place Market. Alternatively, a short bus ride or taxi/rideshare will get you there quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Gum Wall is a free, open-air attraction. You don't need to purchase any tickets to visit or contribute.
The Gum Wall is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for better visibility and safety.
There is no admission fee. The Gum Wall is a public art installation that anyone can visit and add to.
Absolutely! Many visitors choose to add their own chewed gum to the wall as a contribution to the art.
Yes, the Gum Wall is periodically cleaned to preserve the brickwork. Check local news or social media for any announced cleaning schedules.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Experiment with different angles and get close to capture the textures and colors. Early morning or late evening light can create dramatic effects.
Most visitors report no significant smell, especially if the wall has been recently cleaned. However, the sheer volume of gum can be off-putting to some.
The Gum Wall started in 1993 as a quirky tradition by patrons of a nearby theater. It has since grown into a massive, sticky art installation.
Yes, it's located within Pike Place Market, which offers numerous shops, restaurants, and street performers. Post Alley also features other unique shops and art.
It refers to the fact that thousands of strangers have contributed their gum over the years, creating a massive, evolving piece of art together.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pike Place Market is brimming with food options, from fresh seafood and produce to diverse international cuisines. You'll find plenty of choices right around the corner.
While you can't buy gum directly from the wall, there are vendors and shops within Pike Place Market where you can purchase gum.
Post Alley has a variety of eateries, from casual cafes to more upscale dining. Exploring the alley will reveal many culinary options.
Seafood is a staple due to the market's proximity to the coast. You'll also find bakeries, coffee shops, and international food stalls.
While you can chew gum, it's best to dispose of it properly after you're done. Adding it to the wall is a popular choice for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the alley is narrow, it's generally safe for families. Consider visiting during daylight hours when it's less crowded and easier to supervise children. It's a quick stop that adds a quirky element to a day exploring Pike Place Market, offering a different kind of 'art' that kids often find fascinating. Just be prepared for the visual impact and the sticky nature of the attraction!
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a perfect 'add-on' attraction when visiting Pike Place Market, requiring minimal time and no financial outlay. This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to experience unique local sights without breaking the bank. Combine it with exploring the market for a full day of free or low-cost entertainment.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the collaborative nature of the Gum Wall. It's a living, breathing piece of street art created by thousands of individuals. The sheer magnitude and the unexpected creativity found within the gum formations can be truly mesmerizing. It's a testament to how art can emerge from the most unconventional sources and spaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sticky History of the Gum Wall
Over the years, the Gum Wall has gained international recognition, attracting tourists from all over the world. It's become a symbol of Seattle's unique character, a testament to spontaneous, collaborative art. While some find it undeniably gross, many are mesmerized by its sheer scale and the vibrant, albeit sticky, mosaic it creates. The act of adding your own gum has become a rite of passage for many visitors, making it a truly interactive experience.
Despite its popularity, the Gum Wall is not without its challenges. It has been cleaned multiple times, most notably in 2015 and 2019, to preserve the physical integrity of the wall. These cleanings are a massive undertaking, involving scraping off tons of gum. However, the tradition quickly resumes, with visitors eager to leave their mark. The Gum Wall stands as a peculiar monument to collective human behavior and a surprisingly popular tourist attraction.
Navigating the Gum Wall Experience
For those looking to contribute, purchasing a pack of gum from a nearby vendor is a common practice. The act of sticking your gum onto the wall is a way to become part of this ever-evolving artwork. However, it's highly recommended to bring hand sanitizer as you'll likely be touching the walls or at least getting close to them. The experience is entirely free, making it an accessible attraction for all budgets.
When planning your visit, consider the time of day. Early mornings or late evenings tend to be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience and better opportunities for photography. While the wall itself doesn't have a strong odor for most, the visual impact is undeniable. It's a place that sparks conversation and leaves a lasting impression, embodying the quirky spirit of Seattle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit