Gum Wall

A Wall of Chewing Gum Moonlights as Collective Art

Category Outsider Art, Architectural Oddities

Image of Gum Wall located in | Gum Wall window ledge

Gum Wall window ledge

Image of Gum Wall located in | Gum Wall window ledge Image of Gum Wall located in | Gum Wall Alley Image of Gum Wall located in
Outsider Art http://atlasobscura.com/category/museums-and-collections/outsider-art Architectural Oddities http://atlasobscura.com/category/architectural-oddities

Down an unassuming side street by Seattle's famed Pike Place Market is a hidden work of art dubbed the Gum Wall or the Wall of Gum. The unassuming and unexpected display is an excellent representation of Seattle's unique charm and character.

Started in the 1990s by local patrons on line at a movie theater who stuck their used gum on the wall, the Gum Wall has since grown piece by piece to cover an enormous expanse of brick wall. The resulting colors and overall imagery are fascinating.

The stench of decaying and aged chewing gum can be a bit offensive, but the Gum Wall is still an intriguing sight. Some consider the wall to be a monstrosity or a glorification of littering, but to most the Gum Wall stands as a beautiful work of collective art.

See an error? Know more? Edit this place.

Users who have been to this place: Annetta Lumos cadelandia gerwitz Duck_Muscle

  • Hours 24-7
  • Address Seattle, Washington, United States
  • Cost Free
Sources
Map/Directions

No map available.

Head down a ramp to the left of the main entrance (marked by a large neon "Public Market" sign) to Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. Follow the alley left. The gum wall will appear to your left.

Post a Comment

to comment. Use your Facebook account to login instantly. Anonymous comments will be held in moderation.

Enter the Captcha code below to confirm you're human:
Captcha Image

Comments

  • estroid& estroid May 8, 2010
    Does anyone know who took this particular photo of the gum wall? I'd like to get in touch with the photographer about the possibility of using the photo for a book cover. Any leads emailed to estroid@gmail.com would be so appreciated! Thank you! --Esther
  • & Anonymous July 20, 2009
    The marker on the map is wrong for this "attraction." Place it near Pike Place Market and you're golden.
  • & Anonymous July 12, 2009
    Check out the SLO Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo. Way more worth it!
  • & Anonymous July 12, 2009
    When I first saw this post, I thought "Oh look, it's our Gum Alley!" but it's not. In San Luis Obispo California there is a Bubble Gum Alley with two walls completely covered in gum. It's in the middle of downtown with shops and restaurants all around.