The Gum Wall is a brick wall layered with thousands of pieces of chewed gum at 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101, in the Market Theater alley below Pike Place Market. It began in the early 1990s after Unexpected Productions, an improv theater company, started leasing the building in 1991. Travelers come to see one of downtown Seattle‘s oddest landmarks, add their own piece of gum, and take photos.
What to Expect at The Gum Wall
The wall is the front of Unexpected Productions’ Market Theater. In the early 20th century the building was the Economy Building, where farmers sold produce. It later housed a movie theater. Soon after the improv company moved in, a patron waiting in line for Theatresports, a competitive improv show that still runs, stuck gum on the wall and pressed a penny into it. Others copied the idea. By the end of 1995 the wall was covered.
The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, the landlord, objected and asked for the gum to be removed. The gum kept coming back, and the wall eventually became an accepted part of the market. Today colorful layers cover the brick, theater windows, and drainpipes for roughly 50 feet along the alley. In 2015 the wall was steam-cleaned down to bare brick after more than a ton of gum had built up, and visitors covered it again within months. The alley is narrow and slopes downhill. Expect a sweet, minty smell and crowds of people taking photos.
- Add Your Own Gum: Visitors press gum onto any open spot. Some stretch it into hearts or initials.
- Market Theater: Unexpected Productions performs improv shows, including Theatresports, inside the building.
- Post Alley Photo Spot: The long, colorful wall works well as a backdrop for portraits.
- Gum Art and Messages: Look for small sculptures, flags, and notes left by visitors from around the world.
- Market Connection: The alley links the Market Theater area with the Pike Place Market levels above.
The Gum Wall at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours, daily |
| Admission / Price Range | Free ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Link light rail Westlake Station; Third Avenue buses; Pike Place Market parking garage on Western Avenue |
| Official Website & Phone | unexpectedproductions.org |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive before 9am or after 6pm for clearer photos. Midday crowds from the market fill the alley, especially on summer weekends and when cruise ships are in port. From Westlake Station, walk about 8 minutes west on Pike Street to the market’s main entrance at 1st and Pike. There you’ll find Rachel the bronze pig. The alley entrance is just downhill to the left. The Pike Place Market garage on Western Avenue is the closest place to park.
Post Alley is paved but sloped and uneven in places. Wheelchair and stroller users should approach from the Pike Street side and allow extra room when it’s crowded. Nearby, Pike Place Fish Market and the original Starbucks are a short walk away. Victor Steinbrueck Park, about 5 minutes north, has views of Elliott Bay. The Seattle Waterfront is reachable via the Pike Street Hillclimb.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Gum Wall open?
The wall is outdoors and open 24 hours a day. Early morning is the quietest time to visit.
Does it cost anything to visit?
No. The Gum Wall is free. Bring your own gum, or buy some from shops in the market. Improv show tickets at the Market Theater are sold separately.
How long should I spend there?
Most visitors stay 15 to 30 minutes. Combine it with a one- to two-hour walk through Pike Place Market.
Is it suitable for kids and wheelchairs?
Kids usually love it, but keep small hands off the wall. The sloped alley can be navigated with a wheelchair or stroller, though it is tight when crowded.
When planning your Seattle travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Seattle, pair this stop with standout local spots including Von's 1000 Spirits, Serious Pie Downtown, Matt's in the Market, and Alibi Room (nearby).
