The monuments of Seattle are predominantly modern buildings, ranging from the popular Space Needle visitor attraction to glass and steel structures like the Central Library building and the Frank Gehry-designed museum. Alki Point was home to the original migrant settlers to the Seattle area and houses the Alki lighthouse and museum. The lighthouse was constructed in the early 20th century and is representative of features of this genre.
Seattle's Space Needle is by far the most recognizable monument in Seattle and was constructed for the Century 21 World Fair in 1962. The design for the Space Needle was adapted from a sketch plan by architect John Graham and the structure cost $4.5 million to build. When the Space Needle was constructed, it was the tallest structure to the west of the Mississippi River. The Space Needle attracts more than 1 million visitors every year and has been featured in a number of films and TV programs, including "Sleepless in Seattle," "Frasier," "Dark Angel" and the "Twilight" saga.
The Frank Gehry Building was constructed in 1999, to house the Experience Music Project. The building is also home to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame and is located at the base of the Space Needle. This building is an undulating structure with a fabricated steel frame, clad with shotcrete and sheet metal. The museums are open daily and host a range of exhibitions throughout the year. Annual membership is available, with members receiving unlimited free admissions to the museums throughout the year and a range of special offers.
Alki Point marks the landing and settlement of the original colonists in 1851. The Point marks the entrance of Seattle's Elliott Bay and the first basic lighthouse was established on the Point in 1887. The existing concrete lighthouse was erected on the Point in 1913. The lighthouse is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and is open to the public on summer weekends.
The Seattle Central Library building is a unique glass and steel structure, situated on Fourth Street. The library was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and is in the shape of a skewed glass cube. Construction of the building started in 1999 and the building has won a number of awards, including the American Institute of Architects 2005 Honor Award.
