Driver's Seat, Steel sculpture in Old Town Chinatown, Portland, US
Driver's Seat is a steel sculpture located at Northwest 5th Avenue and Irving Street in Old Town Chinatown. The work features an oversized eye shape with a functional steering wheel and seat built into its structure, inviting visitors to sit inside and experience the artwork from within.
The sculpture was created in 1994 by artist Don Merkt as part of Portland's Percent for Art program. It received support from the Portland Development Commission and TriMet, public agencies that helped fund this public art installation.
The sculpture represents social responsibility by encouraging visitors to experience the sensation of steering through time while seated in the installation.
The artwork stands at a busy street corner and is accessible at any time for visitors who want to walk up and sit in the integrated seat. The location is easily reached on foot and well-connected by public transit, especially for those near Portland Union Station.
When seated in the chair, visitors look directly through the iris opening and can see Portland Union Station's clock tower, creating a hidden visual connection between the sculpture and the city center. This unexpected sightline is often discovered only after sitting down.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
