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Seattle, Washington / Viewpoints

Betty Bowen Viewpoint

A serene memorial viewpoint on Queen Anne Hill, honoring the 'den mother of the city’s arts' with stunning vistas of the Puget Sound and hidden artistic treasures.

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Betty Bowen Viewpoint
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Where is the Betty Bowen Viewpoint located?

The viewpoint is located in Marshall Park on the west slope of Queen Anne hill, just north of downtown. Specifically, it is on Highland Drive at 7th Avenue West, a few blocks west of Kerry.

What is the Betty Bowen Viewpoint known for?

It is known for its vistas of the Puget Sound and unsigned artistic work cast into the concrete walkway by prominent Northwest artists, including Morris Graves and Victor Steinbrueck.

Who was Betty Bowen?

Betty Bowen was a Washington native, journalist, and ardent supporter of Northwest artists who served as the assistant director of the Seattle Art Museum for many years. She was often referred to as “the den mother of the city’s arts.”

What are the hours for the viewpoint?

As part of Marshall Park, the area is open daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

What facilities are available at the site?

This small green oasis provides three benches, a tree, and a view of the sound.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Betty Bowen Viewpoint is a quiet, intimate memorial located within Marshall Park on the west slope of Queen Anne Hill, just north of downtown Seattle. This tiny green oasis provides a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle, offering three benches and a single friendly tree for visitors to enjoy the panoramic views of the Puget Sound. Established in 1977–78 through the efforts of Victor Steinbrueck, the viewpoint serves as a memorial to Betty Bowen. Bowen was a Washington native, journalist, and a dedicated supporter of Northwest artists, who served as the assistant director of the Seattle Art Museum for many years. Because of her immense contribution to the local art scene, she was affectionately known as the 'den mother of the city’s arts.' Beyond the vistas, the site features unique artistic details that require a closer look. Unsigned artistic work has been cast directly into the concrete walkway by prominent Northwest artists, including Morris Graves, Margaret Tompkins, Victor Steinbrueck, Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, and Charles Stokes. These subtle sculptures are integrated into the path, creating a subtle gallery of Northwest art right under your feet.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the concrete walkway to find the unsigned art cast into the path by Northwest artists.
  • Visit during the early morning or late evening to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and one of the three available benches.
  • The park is open daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., making it a great spot for sunrise or sunset views.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the viewpoint is located on the slope of Queen Anne Hill.

Nearby context

The Betty Bowen Viewpoint is located on Highland Drive at 7th Avenue West, just a few blocks west of Kerry Park, another famous viewpoint on the west slope of Queen Anne Hill.

Sources

Evidence and links