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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Father and Son

A poignant 15-foot-high fountain by Louise Bourgeois, featuring two nude male figures reaching across a gap, alternately obscured by rising and falling water in the Olympic Sculpture Park.

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Father and Son
www.seattleartmuseum.org, og_image_www.seattleartmuseum.org

What is the Father and Son sculpture?

Father and Son is a 15-foot-high fountain and sculpture created by artist Louise Bourgeois for the Olympic Sculpture Park. It features two figures reaching toward each other across an eight-foot gap, who are alternately engulfed and separated by rising and falling water.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission to the Olympic Sculpture Park, where the sculpture is located, is free.

What are the hours?

The Olympic Sculpture Park is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

What is the history of this piece?

Commissioned by the Seattle Art Museum using funds from the Estate of Stu Smailes, the work originated from a bequest requiring a fountain with realistic, classical-style nude male figures. It was installed in 2005 and represents Louise Bourgeois's first permanent project on the West Coast.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Olympic Sculpture Park is wheelchair accessible.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Father and Son is a striking 15-foot-high fountain and sculpture created by the internationally acclaimed artist Louise Bourgeois. Commissioned by the Seattle Art Museum between 2004 and 2006 using funds from the Estate of Stu Smailes, the work was designed specifically for the Olympic Sculpture Park and installed in 2005. It marks a significant milestone as Bourgeois's first permanent project sited on the West Coast of the United States. The sculpture features two life-size, realistic nude male figures designed in a classical style. These figures reach toward each other across an eight-foot gap, symbolizing a psychological tension. The piece is deeply influenced by Surrealism, which informed Bourgeois's early work and the psychological themes explored in this fountain. As part of the interactive experience, the fountain's water rises and falls, alternately engulfing and separating the two figures. This movement creates a cycle of exposure and revelation, where the father and son are each in turn obscured by the water. This dynamic element adds a layer of emotional complexity to the static bronze figures. Located within the Olympic Sculpture Park, the artwork is set against a breathtaking waterfront backdrop. Visitors can experience the piece while enjoying views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, integrating the natural beauty of the shoreline with the psychological depth of the contemporary art piece.

Visitor tips

  • Admission to the Olympic Sculpture Park is free, allowing for an easy stop.
  • The park is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
  • The site is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all visitors can reach the fountain.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the sculpture is part of a larger green space.

Nearby context

Father and Son is situated within the Olympic Sculpture Park, one of Seattle's largest green spaces, which features over 1,000 feet of publicly accessible shoreline and a collection of world-class outdoor art.

Sources

Evidence and links