Seattle, Washington: Drinking Man (Gone)

The Blue Moon Tavern has tons of character, but Drinking Man, its motorized sculpture, is not there. I was told that his motor went out a couple of years ago. The sculpture was sent out for repairs, never to return. It is questionable if it will ever be back, given its history of vandalism, breakdowns, and attempted thefts.

The Blue Moon Tavern in the U District opened in 1934, became a famous watering hole for university artistes, beat poets and activists. Later saved from demolition by preservationists and Blue Moon fans, the tavern was named as an official landmark in 1990.

The tavern now has an 8-foot replica of the Seattle Art Museum's Jonathan Borofsky "Hammering Man" sculpture on the sidewalk in front of the tavern. Unlike Hammering Man, the silhouette replica has a neanderthal shaped skull and, driven by a small electric motor, his arm hoists a beer bottle in place of the hammer.