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Seattle, Washington: Sound Garden

The 1980s sonic conceptual sculpture from which the 1980-90s band took its name. The artwork looks like a field of small cell phone towers. If there's a breeze, follow your ears.

Address:
7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA
Directions:
Take Hwy 513/Sand Point Way NE to Warren G. Magnuson Park. Sound Garden is in the far northeast corner, on the shore of Lake Washington. Access via main gate on Sand Point Way NE after showing ID and passing through security screen.
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Visitor Tips and News About Sound Garden

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Sound Garden

I was turned back at the security gate, and told that this has been closed to the public for a couple of years. There's no word if or when it might be accessible again.

[Jeff B, 04/25/2022]

According to the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (which owns the property), visitors to the property need a "Real ID" driver's license (or other similar nationally valid identification) to enter.

Sound Garden.

Sound Garden

Recommended to arrive after morning rush hour and before 3:00 PM on a windy day. All adults in your vehicle will need to show ID at the NOAA check-in gate. Sound Garden is a little bit of a drive -- maybe a quarter to half mile to the closest parking spot. After parking, you will need to negotiate a staircase and small bit of a trail. Three angled benches are available inside the sculpture garden for resting while enjoying the space.

[Christopher Schmitt, 08/19/2015]

Sound Garden.

Sound Garden

Not really worth the drive.

[Mitzanator, 09/18/2014]

Sez our Grunge Landmark Apologist: "We appreciate your journey and documentation of 'A Sound Garden,' inspiration for the eponymous rock band. With a security screening checkpoint required for access, only the most diehard seekers of Seattle grunge landmarks may dig it...."

Sound Garden

This is still open to the public. You just need to go to the main gate on Sand Point Way NE and show your ID, and go through a security checkpoint. After that you are free to walk the grounds and see the other sculptures there.

[Alex, 09/26/2013]
Sound Garden

The Sound Garden is no longer open to civilian personnel. It is now behind the gates to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

[Shu, 04/25/2013]

They can lock away the structures, but they can't imprison the sound.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Submarine Relics: The Fin ProjectSubmarine Relics: The Fin Project, Seattle, WA - < 1 mi.
Cow and Coyote Dress-Up StatuesCow and Coyote Dress-Up Statues, Kirkland, WA - 2 mi.
Monument: Will Roger's Last Polo MatchMonument: Will Roger's Last Polo Match, Lake City, WA - 3 mi.
In the region:
Waiting for the Interurban, Seattle, WA - 5 mi.

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