Sentinels of the Sound

What to know

Sentinels of the Sound is a juried public art installation located at the Washington State Convention Center Summit building in downtown Seattle. Commissioned by the Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District and curated by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, the project was designed by artist Michael B. S. Baker, who was selected in 2018. The work serves as a landmark symbolizing Seattle’s connection to the water and the region’s maritime history. The installation consists of two 30-foot-tall stainless steel sculptural towers featuring illuminated glass lenses. These towers are positioned beside the building entrance, creating a visual gateway for visitors. To achieve this final design, Baker collaborated with engineers, fabricators, and lighting designers. The design was inspired by maritime navigation beacons and the natural rhythms of the Puget Sound region. As part of Seattle’s ongoing public art program tied to the convention center expansion, these sculptures are intended to act as a beacon for the city's largest public building, which opened in 2023. Visitors can view the artwork from the street and nearby public spaces daily, and no ticket is required for access.

Visitor tips

• Visit during the evening to see the illuminated glass lenses in full effect.
• The artwork is free to view from the street and nearby public spaces around the Summit building.
• Explore the surrounding downtown restaurants and cafés after viewing the sculptures.

Nearby context

Located on Pike Street in downtown Seattle, the sculptures are part of the larger Washington State Convention Center Summit building, which is a major civic project and the city's largest public building.