Yes, admission to the Discovery Center is always free.

What are the hours and tour options?

The center offers daily drop-in public tours at 2:00 p.m. and special exhibition tours at 3:30 p.m. when open. Group and school tours (for groups of 15 or more) are available by appointment only.

Where is it located and how do I get there?

The Discovery Center is located at 440 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, across from Seattle Center and about a mile north of downtown. It is accessible via the Seattle Center Monorail and several King County Metro bus lines.

Is there parking available?

The closest parking is the Seattle Center 5th Avenue N. Garage, which is located next to the Discovery Center and is wheelchair accessible.

What should I check before going?

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

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center in Seattle

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center

Explore global innovation at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, a LEED Gold certified space featuring interactive exhibits on sanitation and global health in the heart of Seattle.

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What is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center known for?

It is a 15,000-square-foot exhibition and public education venue in Seattle designed to educate the public about the foundation's mission and inspire action on global causes. It features interactive exhibits on innovative solutions to global challenges, including a featured exhibition titled 'A Better Way to Go: Toilets and the Future of Sanitation.'

What to know

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center is a 15,000-square-foot exhibition and office space located at 440 Fifth Ave. N. in Seattle. This LEED Gold certified facility is designed to foster collaboration and educate the public about the foundation's mission to solve some of the world's most critical issues. The center serves as a gathering place for employees, grantees, and partners in the city where the Gates family has lived for generations. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits that showcase bold, innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. A primary highlight is the featured exhibition titled 'A Better Way to Go: Toilets and the Future of Sanitation,' which utilizes art installations and stories to explore the future of sanitation and new innovations in the field. To ensure an educational experience, the center offers staff-guided tours that focus on powerful stories and innovations. While group tours for 15 or more people require an appointment, the center also provides drop-in public tours at 2:00 p.m. and special exhibition tours at 3:30 p.m. on days when it is open to the public.

Visitor tips

Plan your visit for 2:00 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to catch the staff-led drop-in tours.
If visiting with a group of 15 or more, be sure to book an appointment in advance.
Use the Seattle Center 5th Avenue N. Garage for wheelchair-accessible parking right next to the center.
Check for Friday and Saturday public hours if you cannot secure a weekday group reservation.

Nearby context

The Discovery Center is situated about a mile north of downtown Seattle, positioned across from the Seattle Center. It is conveniently accessible via the Seattle Center Monorail and various King County Metro bus lines, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing near the city's cultural hub.