Seattle’s Gum Wall, a quirky and colourful landmark, is a bizarre tourist attraction that has evolved from an accidental beginning into a symbol of the city’s unique character. Located in Post Alley, beneath Pike Place Market, this wall covered in chewed gum draws both fascination and repulsion from visitors worldwide.
History
The Gum Wall’s story began in the early 1990s outside the Market Theater. Patrons waiting in line for shows started sticking their chewed gum to the wall. Initially, theater employees would remove the gum, but the collection grew, and it became clear that the effort was futile. The wall was cleaned twice, but the gum always returned. The wall is located adjacent to the box office for the Market Theater, a venue for comedy shows. Unexpected Productions, an improv theatre company, began leasing the building in 1991 and their show, Theatresports, is what led to the tradition of sticking gum to the wall. At first, people would stick pennies into the gum, but the coins were eventually removed, and only the gum remained. By 1998, after the wall was reconstructed for the third time by patrons, authorities gave up trying to keep it clean.
By 2009, the Gum Wall had gained international fame and was even featured in the movie “Love Happens”. This appearance as a backdrop to a romantic scene turned the wall into a destination for couples, similar to the love locks in Paris. The Gum Wall stretches over 50 feet long and is eight feet high. As of 2024, the Gum Wall is 54 feet long and 8 feet high, with an estimated density of 180 pieces of gum per brick. The wall is a living piece of art, constantly changing as visitors add new contributions.
Reception
The Gum Wall has drawn a mixed reception, with some finding it charming, while others view it with disgust. The wall was named one of the top 5 “germiest” tourist attractions in 2009. Some tourists have been known to chew pieces of gum off the wall, an act considered unsanitary by many. The wall is a breeding ground for bacteria due to the sheer volume of saliva-coated gum pieces, and the smell can be overpowering on hot days. There have been complaints about gum being tracked into nearby businesses, and that the wall attracts rats. The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) has had to balance the wall’s popularity with the need to protect the integrity of the bricks. The PDA has cleaned the wall a few times. In 2015, the wall was cleaned for the first time in 20 years. Over 2,350 pounds (1,070 kg) of gum was removed. It was cleaned again in 2018 and in November 2024. Despite these cleanings, the gum reappears within a few months. Washington’s governor, Jay Inslee, has said it is his favorite spot in Seattle.
As Art
Despite the controversy, many see the Gum Wall as a collective art project. Visitors add their own contributions, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors. Some people create small works of art, or write messages using the gum. The wall is a visible display of Seattle’s quirky spirit. Local artist Rudy Willingham created a mural of Pete Carroll on the wall in January 2024, using 200 pieces of gum. The wall is also decorated with physical copies of some artists’ work that they stick up. Additionally, some visitors practice graffiti art on the wall in spots where there is less gum. The Gum Wall is a symbol of the creativity and eccentricity that thrives in Seattle. The wall is a busy spot, with hundreds of people passing through each weekend. It is a place where visitors can leave a little piece of themselves behind.
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