Seattle Central Library

Seattle, United States

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Opening hours: Tu-Th 10:00-20:00; Fr-Mo 10:00-18:00
Wheelchair access: Accessible
Phone: +1-206-386-4636

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

Find out more

Designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of OMA/LMN, Seattle Central Library opened to the public on May 23, 2004, as the flagship branch of the Seattle Public Library system. The 11-story glass and steel structure rises 185 feet above downtown Seattle's Fourth Avenue, occupying a site that has housed three successive central libraries. With 362,987 square feet of space, the building can hold approximately 1.5 million items and features over 400 public computers and underground parking for 143 vehicles. Its striking appearance derives from a distinctive design of seemingly floating platforms enclosed within a geometric steel net wrapped around a glass skin. Structural engineering was handled by Magnusson Klemencic Associates and Arup, which also managed mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and various consulting services. The library attracted over two million visitors in its first year and gained recognition when it was voted #108 on the American Institute of Architects' 2007 list of Americans' 150 favorite structures.

Architect

Joshua Ramus Rem Koolhaas

Built: 2004
Type: library, library building
Place: Seattle, United States

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Location

47.60610, -122.33300