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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Hammering Man

A monumental 48-foot-tall kinetic sculpture by Jonathan Borofsky, this steel figure tirelessly hammers four times per minute to honor the global working class outside the Seattle Art Museum.

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Hammering Man
www.seattleartmuseum.org, og_image_www.seattleartmuseum.org

What is the Hammering Man known for?

It is a 48-foot-tall kinetic sculpture created by Jonathan Borofsky that features a motorized left arm hammering four times per minute to honor working-class people worldwide.

What are the hours of operation for the sculpture?

The Hammering Man operates 20 hours a day, resting only from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and on Labor Day.

Where is it located?

The sculpture is located in downtown Seattle in front of the Seattle Art Museum at 1st Avenue and University Street.

Who does the sculpture represent?

It is designed to honor working-class men and women globally, representing diverse roles such as farmers, aerospace workers, computer operators, coal miners, and village craftsmen.

Are there other Hammering Man sculptures elsewhere?

Yes, it is part of a global series with other locations in New York, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Frankfurt.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Standing as a sentinel at the corner of 1st Avenue and University Street, the Hammering Man is a 48-foot-tall metal sculpture created by artist Jonathan Borofsky. Commissioned by the Seattle Arts Commission and funded by a 1986 public levy, the work was designed to honor working-class men and women worldwide. Borofsky envisioned the figure as a representation of diverse laborers, from South African coal miners and village craftsmen to aerospace workers and computer operators. The sculpture's history is marked by a dramatic installation failure. On September 28, 1991, while a crane was hoisting the 22,000-pound steel and aluminum figure into place, a lift-strap broke, causing the sculpture to fall and sustain damage. After extensive repairs, the piece was successfully reinstalled in September 1992 in front of the Seattle Art Museum. Technologically, the piece features a motorized left arm that hammers four times per minute. This relentless motion serves as a tribute to the people who produce the commodities on which society depends. Since its successful 1992 installation, the sculpture has racked up over 42 million hammer hits. While the Hammering Man is a local icon, it is part of a global series of monumental kinetic sculptures. Similar works by Borofsky can be found in other major international cities, including Seoul, New York, Los Angeles, and Frankfurt.

Visitor tips

  • Look up to appreciate the full 48-foot scale of the sculpture from the sidewalk.
  • Visit between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. to see the arm in motion, as it rests during the early morning hours.
  • Plan your visit for a day other than Labor Day, as the sculpture takes its only annual holiday then.
  • Combine this stop with a visit to the Seattle Art Museum, located at 1300 First Avenue.

Nearby context

The sculpture serves as the gateway to the Seattle Art Museum, the largest fine art museum in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle at 1st Avenue and University Street, it anchors the streetscape with its rhythmic movement.

Sources

Evidence and links