When people think about Seattle, art is usually not the first thought that comes to mind. Better known as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee and home to the retail giant Amazon, Seattle also attracts outdoors enthusiasts thanks to its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park and numerous local hiking trails and fun adventure spots. It doesn’t mean, however, that contemporary art lovers come up short.

OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK

On a nice day, this is a good place to start. The park sits right on Seattle’s waterfront and lets you stroll among a number of monumental artworks, from artists across the ages, from Jaume Plensa to Alexander Calder. Take a moment to admire them and don’t forget to relax, sit down and appreciate the spectacular views of the Puget Sound.

SEATTLE ART MUSEUM (SAM)

This is another must-do stop. The entrance to the original building is hard to miss - just look for the giant 48-ft tall “Hammering Man” statue by Johnathan Borofsky. The statue has its own story: during its installation in 1991 a lift strap supporting the structure snapped and the statue fell. The damage from the fall meant the statue had to be sent to the original foundry in Connecticut for repairs and Seattle had to wait another year before finally getting its giant set up and hammering away. Today, the museum welcomes you with an impressive lobby that at the time of our visit featured another monumental piece, John Grady’s “Middle Fork” hemlock tree trunk and contemporary galleries that had an amazing show of the superstar of South African photography, Zanele Muholi. The upper floors show collections of Australian Aboriginal art and the art of the Pacific Northwest.

"Middlefork" by John Grady, Seattle Art Museum

MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MoPOP)

If you’re headed to visit the Space Needle (which looks positively tiny compared to some of the more recent skyscrapers that dot the Seattle skyline now), this is an easy stop on your way. The MoPOP, founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is an un-missable building. Though the colors are unexpectedly bold, its bold undulating shape leaves no doubt about the name of the architect who designed it: Frank Gehry. Walk around to take in the vibrant magentas, blues and oranges that flow through the structure… add the cacophony of competing rock music and swishing sound of the monorail passing by and your senses will definitely be fully engaged.

Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Seattle, WA

THE WATERFRONT

Seattle’s waterfront is slowly coming to life. Still showing its strong industrial roots, the area is expanding beyond the bustling Pike Place Market and the (less appetizing) Gum Wall and street artists have taken notice. I was lucky to turn away from the tourist crowds and spot a great piece by Shepard Fairey. Venture a little further and you will see another, grittier industrial mural, and eventually, you will also find the cute Seattle signature wall. Enjoy!

Seattle Pike Place Market, Shepard Fairey