Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Seattle places

Seattle, Washington / Public art

Nine Spaces Nine Trees

A conceptual art installation by Robert Irwin, featuring a maze-like fence and nine Winter King Hawthorn trees, exploring the perception of space and visibility up on the University of Washington campus.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Nine Spaces Nine Trees
Mark Yasuda, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Nine Spaces Nine Trees?

Nine Spaces Nine Trees is a public art installation by American artist Robert Irwin, located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.

Where is it located?

The installation is on the University of Washington campus, situated adjacent to the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

What is the artwork known for?

It is known for a maze-like fence structure that appears translucent or opaque depending on the viewer's position, as well as nine Winter King Hawthorn trees that create varying public and private spaces across the seasons.

What is the history of the installation?

Originally commissioned by the City of Seattle in 1983 for the Public Safety Building, the work was saved from demolition through a multi-party arrangement and moved to the University of Washington campus in 2003. It was subsequently recreated in 2007.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Nine Spaces Nine Trees is a site-specific art installation by American artist Robert Irwin, created between 1982 and 1983. Originally commissioned by the City of Seattle in 1983 for the Seattle Public Safety Building, the work was saved from demolition when that building was slated for removal. Through a multi-party arrangement involving the City of Seattle, the Washington State Arts Commission, and the University of Washington, the installation was preserved and later moved in 2003 to its current site adjacent to the Odegaard Undergraduate Library on the University of Washington campus. The installation's physical structure consists of a maze-like fence that creates an interactive experience for the visitor. This fence is designed to appear either translucent or opaque depending on the viewer's position, whether they are inside or outside the structure. This shifting perception of visibility is a core component of the artist's intent, challenging the viewer's awareness of their own movement through the space. Adding a biological layer to the geometric structure, the work incorporates nine Winter King Hawthorn trees. These trees create a complex layer of organic growth that changes with the seasons. The installation is dense in the spring and summer months and becomes more open in the winter, effectively creating both public and private spaces that evolve over the year. The work was recreated in 2007 to ensure its longevity on the campus.

Visitor tips

  • Walk around the entire perimeter of the fence to see how the translucency of the structure changes based on your position.
  • Visit during the spring or summer for the densest foliage on the Winter King Hawthorn trees.
  • Allow a few minutes to simply stand still and observe how the light and the trees interact with the the fence structure.

Nearby context

Located on the University of Washington campus, this installation is part of the university's public art collection and is situated adjacent to the Odegaard Undergraduate Library, making it a great stop for students and visitors exploring the campus art tour.

Sources

Evidence and links