Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Seattle places

Seattle, Washington / Public art

The Eagle

A monumental 1971 painted steel sculpture by Alexander Calder, The Eagle blends architectural scale with poetic curves along the scenic paths of the Seattle Center.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
The Eagle
Another Believer, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is The Eagle?

The Eagle is a painted steel sculpture created in 1971 by artist Alexander Calder. It is part of the Seattle Art Museum Collection and is described as being architectural in its construction and scale.

Where is The Eagle located?

The sculpture is located along the path between the north and west meadows at the Seattle Center.

How can I visit The Eagle?

You can visit The Eagle as part of Seattle Center's Public Art Collection via a self-guided art tour.

Is it free to see?

Yes, the public art collection is treated as a visitor experience rather than a ticketed museum exhibit.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Eagle is a striking piece of public art created in 1971 by the renowned artist Alexander Calder. This monumental work is crafted from painted steel and is officially held within the Seattle Art Museum Collection. The sculpture is celebrated for its unique architectural scale and construction, which manages to balance a sense of pragmatism with artistic poetry. Visitors can find the sculpture positioned along the Z-path that connects the north and west meadows. Its design is characterized by sweeping, curving wings that evoke the spirit of a great bird while maintaining a structural, industrial presence. Because it is situated outdoors, the work interacts dynamically with the surrounding landscape of the Seattle Center. Rather than being tucked away in a ticketed gallery, The Eagle is integrated into the Seattle Center's Public Art Collection. This allows the public to experience the work as part of an open-air environment. It is one of the key highlights available for those exploring the campus on foot. For those interested in a more structured experience, the sculpture is featured as part of a self-guided Art Tour presented by Alaska Airlines. This tour encourages visitors to discover the various installations across the grounds independently, treating the city's public art as a living museum without walls.

Visitor tips

  • Follow the Z-path between the north and west meadows to locate the sculpture.
  • Look for the self-guided Art Tour presented by Alaska Airlines to find more nearby installations.
  • Since the art is part of a public collection, there is no ticket required for viewing.

Nearby context

The Eagle is situated within the Seattle Center, a hub of cultural attractions. It sits specifically on the path linking the north and west meadows, placing it in a lush, pedestrian-friendly environment away from the main city traffic.

Sources

Evidence and links