Let’s Take A Tour Of The Seattle Gum Wall!

Last Updated on Mar 11th, 2026 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

It has an odd smell, it’s sticky, & you’re right – it’s really STRANGE!! Located in Seattle’s known marketplace, there’s a spot that has an area set away for people to put their gum on, thousands of colourful pieces that have been glued to various parts of a wall. 

Locals & tourists have been leaving their gum there for many years, all adding to what was a filthy lane into a place that everyone wants to see. 

It’s likely to be the only place in which spitting on the ground becomes a good thing. 

What really happened to cause this to begin, as well as how it continues today? Let’s take a look at the really weird & unique history of this place called “The Gum Wall”.

About Seattle Gum Wall!

About Seattle Gum Wall

The Gum Wall is an interesting & unique attraction in the Downtown area! Near Pike Street in Post Alley, the wall is fully covered in the used chewing gum of millions of people, several inches thick! It is said that approximately 1 million piles of gum are on the wall. 

The coating is 15 feet high along a 50-foot-long section, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The wall of gum in Seattle was created in the 1990s & has since been a source of controversy. Some believe that the wall is a confirmation of the city’s unique culture, while others believe that it is a damage.

Facts And Story Behind the Wall Of Gum!

Facts And Story Behind The Wall Of Gum

Love truly blossoms in the gumwall-covered alleyway! Visiting the site and replicating the iconic scene with your significant other has become a romantic ritual, with many considering it comparable to attaching love locks in Italy or Paris.

The Gum Wall in Seattle is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction that started almost 30 years ago, in 1993. The sticky wall is made up of used gum that ticket holders would stick to the wall while waiting in line.

The alleyway wall became world-famous after appearing in the 2009 Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart movie Love Happens. In the film, the two characters put their bubble gum on top of the wall. Since then, the number of visitors to the site has increased dramatically.

Governor Jay Inslee mentioned in an interview with The Stranger that the gum wall in Downtown Seattle is his favorite place, and it appears that the wall will not be going anywhere soon!

Gum Wall In Seattle Is Known For!

The wall in Post Alley is a fun & unique attraction! The theater next to it, the Market Theater, is a great place to see a comedy show or other small & unique performance. In 1991, Theatresports found a new home at the gum wall. 

Since then, the wall has been a popular destination for improvised shows. Also, this place has plenty of designs, people spelling their names with bubble gum or making stars, hearts, peace signs, etc., which is great! You are sure to find something that you love.

Why Was The Gum Wall Cleaned?

Why Was The Gum Wall Cleaned  1

It’s amazing how such a small thing like gum can cause so much damage to a historic landmark like the Pike Place Market wall. But it’s great to see that the Market is taking steps to protect & preserve the wall for future generations. 

The Seattle gum wall was successfully cleaned in 2015 and again in 2018! Removing just over a ton of gum took workers over 130 hours, but it only took visitors about 5 months to return the wall to its original colorful look.

It’s reassuring to know that even though the wall has been cleaned twice in the last few years, it only takes a few months for visitors to return it to its original, colorful state.

Other Attractions Near Gum Wall!

Other Attractions Near Gum Wall

Here are some popular attractions near the Bubble Gum wall in Seattle to explore: 

  • Market Theatre – A theatre that has been around since the early 1900s and is known for its unique character. 
  • Pike Place Fish Market – A world-famous fish market that has been in operation since 1911. 
  • Northwest Tribal Art – A gallery that specializes in Native American art. 
  • Ellenos – A popular yogurt shop that has been featured on the Today Show. 
  • Ghost Alley Espresso – A coffee shop located in a historic building that was once a morgue.

In Conclusion!!

Surprisingly, this well-known place in Seattle attracts a large number of tourists every year.

If you’re looking for an adventure, why not add your own gum to the wall in Seattle? Book your flights to Seattle, to explore this unique & strange place. 

If you’re looking to book cheap flight tickets, FareMaze is a great option. We are a well-known travel agency in the USA that can help you book both international & domestic flights at affordable prices. 

Contact us today so we can help you plan your trip with the best itineraries!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Is the Seattle gum wall still there?

A: Yes, the Gum Wall in Seattle is a great place to go to see some amazing bubble gum art. The wall has been around since the 1990s, and it’s a great place to see a variety of different colors and flavors of gum.

Q: Does the Seattle Gum Wall smell?

A: The bubble gum wall in Seattle might not be the cleanest place, but it doesn’t smell bad. That makes it one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a lot of used bubble gum.

Q: What is the best time to go to the Seattle Gum Wall?

A: If you want to visit this iconic place, the morning is the best time to go, as it is less crowded than in the evening. Also, try to visit on a day other than Monday or Thursday.

Q: Is the gum wall considered art?

A: The gum wall is a great example of how art can be both fun & involved. It is a unique space where people can express their emotions and enjoy the environment together.

Q: How to get to gum wall Seattle?

A: If you’re looking for a way to see the gum wall in Seattle, just head down the ramp by the main entrance to Pike Place Market. The Market Theater sign will be on your left. When you get to the bottom of the ramp, veer left into Post Alley, and the gum wall will be on both sides.

Q: Why do people put gum on the Seattle gum wall?

A: Interestingly, the tradition of sticking chewing gum on the wall started over 30 years ago. Now, people and tourists use this as a way to create memories and take pictures.

About Neha | View Posts

Neha Sharma, a passionate travel blogger, captures the beauty of the world through her words. With her adventurous spirit and a keen eye for detail, Neha takes her readers on mesmerizing journeys to exotic destinations. Her vivid descriptions and insightful tips make her the go-to guide for wanderlust seekers. Join Neha as she explores the globe, sharing her love for travel and inspiring others to go on their unforgettable adventures.

Discuss this post ?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Informed: Subscribe Now!
1 Adult, Economy
switch dests