About the Sky View Observatory

What is the Sky View Observatory?

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Sky View Observatory, located in the heart of downtown Seattle, provides an unequaled vantage point for viewing the city's skyline. The observatory, perched atop the Columbia Center, is the tallest public viewing spot in the Pacific Northwest. It offers you stunning panoramic views of the Emerald City and its surrounding natural splendor.

At 902 feet in height, the observatory features floor-to-ceiling glass that provides a 360-degree view of famous sites such as the Space Needle, Puget Sound, Elliot Bay, Mount Rainier, Bellevue, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff further enhance the experience, providing historical and geographical context to the stunning vistas.

Sky View Observatory| Quick facts

Official name: Sky View Observatory & Bar
Address: 700 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Date of opening: March 2, 1985
Owner/operator: Gaw Capital Partners
Function: Viewing area
Height: 902 feet

Plan your visit to Sky View Observatory

Opening hours

General timings: Monday to Sunday from12 PM to 7 PM.
Last entry: The last elevator to enter the Sky View Observatory is 1 hour before closing time.
Closed on: The observatory will remain closed on 23 November & 25 December this year. It may also be closed for hosting private events or due to zero visibility.
Duration: We recommend setting aside at least45 to 90 minutes to fully enjoy the experience.
Best time to visit: We recommend visiting the Sky View Observatory just before sunset to witness the beauty of Seattle in all its colors as the day slowly changes into the night.

Location

Address: 700 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States| Find on Maps

The Sky View Observatory is located at the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle, Washington.

Nearest bus stop: 3rd Avenue & Columbia Street
Nearest tram stop: Pioneer Square Station
Landmarks nearby: Space Needle, Pike Palace Market, Chinatown Gate.

Things to do at the Sky View Observatory

Observe Seattle's skyline in full view

Gaze upon the city's iconic landmarks through the observatory's floor-to-ceiling windows. The Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound paint an awe-inspiring picture. The Sky View Observatory offers 360-degree views of the city, making it a must-visit.

Stand atop the tallest public viewing area

Who built the Sky View Observatory?

Martin Selig developed the Columbia Center, which houses the Sky View Observatory. The $120 million "Columbia Center" project would be sponsored by Seafirst Mortgage Company and built by Howard S. Wright.

Architecture and design

The Columbia Center was designed by Chester L. Lindsey Architects and developed by Martin Selig. This included the Sky View Observatory, which is located on the 73rd floor. The construction of the building began in 1982 and was finished in 1985. Constructed with smoked tempered glass and Carnelian granite, the building features an impressive 8,800 windows, 2,100 hydronic heat pumps, 48 elevators, and 6 escalators. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, such as viscoelastic dampers and triangle-shaped bracing, the Columbia Center is equipped to endure earthquakes and hurricane-force winds. These advancements make it one of the sturdiest and safest structures in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the engineering prowess that went into creating this remarkable edifice.

Made up of three geometric concave facades with two setbacks, it gives the impression of three towers standing side by side. In 2013, the Sky View Observatory was redesigned and rebuilt so that you could admire 360-degree views of the city instead of the previous 270-degree view. Your safety is a top priority. The observatory maintains rigorous safety measures and cleanliness standards to ensure a worry-free visit for all guests.