In a discreet alley beneath Pike Place Market in Seattle, a red brick wall disappears under thousands of chewed pieces of gum. The Gum Wall is one of the most singular urban curiosities on the west coast of the États-Unis, halfway between an unusual attraction and a spontaneous collective artwork.

Why Visit the Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is neither a museum nor a monument, but a rare urban phenomenon. On a Post Alley façade, visitors from around the world have been adding their own chewed gum for three decades, forming a colorful, textured patchwork. The stop is brief (10 to 20 minutes suffices), free, and pairs naturally with a visit to Pike Place Market just above.

The location attracts street art enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers curious about the unusual. It also crystallizes a debate: collaborative artwork or simply a non-hygienic mass? Each visitor forms their own opinion on site.

History of the Gum Wall

The tradition began in the early 1990s in Post Alley, in front of the Market Theater, which hosts performances by Unexpected Productions, a local improvisation company. Spectators waiting in line developed the habit of sticking their chewing gum on the wall, pressing a coin into it. Market officials attempted to clean the façade several times, but the gum reappeared immediately.

By the late 1990s, authorities abandoned cleanup efforts and the wall was officially recognized as a local curiosity. Its reputation grew following its appearance in the film Love Happens (2009, starring Jennifer Aniston), and later through social media exposure.

The thickness of the deposits reached a critical threshold for brick preservation. In 2015, a full steam cleaning removed approximately 1,066 kg of gum. Similar operations took place in 2018, 2019, and 2024. Each time, the layer reconstitutes itself within weeks.

What There Is to See

The wall stretches approximately 15 meters long and reaches up to 4.5 meters high. The surface is densely covered with chewed gum in all colors, sometimes layered several centimeters thick, creating an irregular texture. Some visitors compose letters, hearts, or small figures, but overall the ensemble forms a compact patchwork.

Post Alley is a narrow alley, slightly sloped, bordered by old brick buildings. The light is filtered, which enhances the contrast between the weathered stone and the colorful mass of gum. The location has no official signage or amenities: only the raw façade and traces of successive cleanings on the more cleared areas.

Practical Information

• Access: free and open, 24/7, outdoors in a public alley
• Visit duration: 10 to 20 minutes, time to photograph and possibly add your own gum
• Hygiene: do not touch the wall with bare hands; bring hand sanitizer
• Accessibility: the alley is slightly sloped and paved, wheelchair access possible but uneven
• To avoid: sticking gum directly on the bricks or on adjacent doors/windows

When to Visit

The Gum Wall is an outdoor site visitable year-round, but Seattle's climate (rainy from October to May) influences visiting comfort. The months of June to September offer the best conditions, with optimal natural light for photos in mid-day, when the sun descends into Post Alley.

Regarding crowds, the wall is very busy during midday, especially on weekends and during Pike Place Market hours. For crowd-free photos, prioritize early morning or late afternoon on weekdays.

How to Get There

The Gum Wall is located in Post Alley, just below Pike Place Market, under the Public Market Center illuminated sign. Find the ramp descending to the left of the market, take it, then turn left into the alley: the wall is a few meters below.

• Link Light Rail: Westlake Station stop, approximately 10 minutes on foot
• South Lake Union Streetcar: Westlake Hub stop, approximately 600 meters away
• Metro Bus: numerous lines serve downtown within a few blocks of the market
• On foot: easily combined with a visit to the waterfront or Belltown neighborhood

Nearby Attractions

Pike Place Market

Historic market located just above the Gum Wall. Producers, fishmongers (renowned for tossing their catch over the stalls), artisans, and independent shops animate an open market operating since 1907.

Seattle Art Museum

About ten minutes on foot away, the SAM presents collections of Native American art from the Northwest, Asian, African, and contemporary art in a modern downtown building.

Seattle Great Wheel

Large observation wheel installed on Pier 57, a few minutes' walk down toward the waterfront. Unobstructed views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Space Needle

Panoramic tower at Seattle Center, accessible by monorail from Westlake. 360° platform overlooking the city, bay, and on clear days, Mount Rainier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Including the Gum Wall in Your Trip

This curiosity fits easily into a stay in Seattle, an ideal city for a 2 to 3-day visit combining nature, gastronomy, and urban culture. To build a wider itinerary blending major cities and landscapes, consult our ideas for a journey to the États-Unis.