Seattle Center, Cultural center and urban park in Lower Queen Anne, Seattle, US

Seattle Center is a 74-acre complex in Lower Queen Anne whose centerpiece is the 605-foot Space Needle, a slender white shaft with a flattened disc top. The International Fountain, a dark faceted dome in a pool, sprays overlapping arcs of water. The grounds also hold the Pacific Science Center, Climate Pledge Arena, MoPOP, and McCaw Hall.

In 1886, Seattle founder David Denny donated the land on condition it remain for public use forever. The Civic Center complex opened there in 1928, and the site hosted the 1962 World's Fair, opened by President John F. Kennedy on April 21. The city took ownership on June 1, 1963.

The center's name comes from the 1962 World's Fair, and several artworks reflect Japanese influence: the Pacific Science Center by architect Minoru Yamasaki, Paul Horiuchi's Seattle Mural at the Mural Amphitheatre, and the Kobe Bell, a gift from Seattle's sister city Kobe. The International Fountain plays recorded music from around the world, changed twice a month to match the water patterns.

The Seattle Center Monorail links the grounds directly to Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. The 74-acre campus is large, so allow time to walk between venues. The International Fountain sits at the center of the complex, with the Space Needle to its north.

The International Fountain features computer-controlled water shows synchronized to music, with jets shooting water up to 120 feet high. The fountain serves as a popular gathering spot and offers cooling relief on hot days.