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Seattle, Washington / Public art

The Gum Wall

A colorful, chewy landmark in Post Alley, this brick wall is covered in thousands of pieces of used chewing gum, evolving daily as a quirky symbol of Seattle's unique character.

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The Gum Wall
www.unexpectedproductions.org, website_hero_img_www.unexpectedproductions.org

What is The Gum Wall known for?

The Gum Wall is a brick wall in an alleyway at Pike Place Market covered in used chewing gum. It is considered an intriguing and beloved representation of Seattle's unique charm and character.

How do I find the Gum Wall?

It is located in Post Alley within Pike Place Market. To get there, go down the ramp to the left of the "Public Market Center" clock sign and turn left into the alley.

How did the Gum Wall start?

The tradition began in the 1990s when patrons and performers at Unexpected Productions (specifically those waiting for Theatresports at the Market Theater) began sticking used gum to the wall, sometimes topping it with a coin.

How big is the gum accumulation?

The gum reaches approximately 15 feet high along a 50-foot section of the wall and is several inches thick.

Is the wall ever cleaned?

Yes. While Pike Place Market stopped trying to eliminate the tradition in 1998, the wall has been regularly cleaned since 2015 to prevent the brickwork from eroding.

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 Gum Wall is a striking brick installation situated beneath Pike Place Market in Seattle. Located on Post Alley near Pike Street, the accumulation of used chewing gum reaches approximately 15 feet high along a 50-foot section of the wall. This colorful display is regarded by Pike Place Market as an intriguing representation of the city's unique charm and character. The tradition began in the 1990s, specifically around 1991 when Unexpected Productions began leasing the Market Theater building. It started with a patron waiting in line for Theatresports who stuck a piece of gum to the wall and topped it with a penny. Other theater-goers soon copied this act, and by the end of 1995, the wall was already covered with these coin-topped gum offerings. For several years, the landlord objected to the mess and requested the theater remove the gum. However, after repeated cleanings and patrons reconstructing the wall a third time, Pike Place Market finally stopped trying to eliminate the tradition in 1998. Since 2015, the wall has been regularly cleaned to protect the brickwork from erosion, though the tradition of adding new gum continues. Today, the wall is treated as a living piece of art that evolves daily, much like an improv performance. It has become such a local icon that it is even used as a backdrop for wedding photos, a sight theater staff report seeing roughly twice a month.

Visitor tips

  • To find the wall, descend the ramp to the left of the Public Market Center clock sign and turn left into Post Alley.
  • Bring your own pack of gum if you wish to contribute to the evolving artwork.
  • Visit during the morning to avoid the heaviest crowds of tourists in the alleyway.

Nearby context

The Gum Wall is tucked away in Post Alley, just south of the main entrance of Pike Place Market off 1st Avenue. It sits directly adjacent to the Market Theater, where the tradition first began among improv fans.

Sources

Evidence and links