Chris Cornell Memorial Statue

Chris Cornell Memorial Statue Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Chris Cornell Memorial Statue in Seattle stands as a poignant tribute to a legendary musician and a central figure in the city’s grunge movement. Situated outside the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) at 325 5th Avenue N, this life-size bronze sculpture honors Cornell’s enduring impact as the frontman of Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog. Commissioned by his widow, Vicky Cornell, and sculpted by Nick Marra, the statue was unveiled in 2018 and has since become a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the world to reflect on Cornell’s artistic legacy and Seattle’s rich musical heritage (MoPOP’s website; AP News; Consequence).

This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting the Chris Cornell Memorial Statue: hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, nearby attractions, and the statue’s artistic and cultural significance.

History and Origins
Sculpture Details and Artistic Creation
Unveiling Ceremony and Community Impact
Location and Symbolic Placement
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Cultural Significance and Legacy
Challenges and Restoration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

History and Origins

Chris Cornell’s influence on Seattle’s music scene is profound. As a native of the city, Cornell became a leading force in the emergence of grunge in the late 1980s and 1990s, shaping the sound of a generation through his work with Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Temple of the Dog (AP News; Wikipedia). Following his death in 2017, the desire for a lasting memorial in his hometown grew rapidly. His widow, Vicky Cornell, spearheaded the effort, describing the statue as a gift to the community that supported his rise (Consequence; Variety).

Sculpture Details and Artistic Creation

The statue was created by Nick Marra, an acclaimed special effects and sculpture artist known for his lifelike creations (uDiscoverMusic). Cast in bronze and standing at eye level, the sculpture depicts Cornell in an iconic pose: boots, dog tag, layered clothing, flowing hair, and his Gibson Memphis guitar. Marra’s attention to detail—down to the texture of Cornell’s hair and the subtle blue tint in his eyes—renders the piece both intimate and powerful (Fotospot; MoPOP eMuseum).

Unveiling Ceremony and Community Impact

Unveiled on October 7, 2018, the ceremony brought together the Cornell family, surviving Soundgarden members, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, and MoPOP staff (uDiscoverMusic; Variety). Vicky Cornell commemorated Chris as “the voice of a generation,” while MoPOP’s artistic director Jasen Emmons noted how the memorial connected Seattle’s past and present music scenes. A screening of archival Soundgarden footage rounded out the tribute.

Location and Symbolic Placement

The statue’s placement outside MoPOP is deeply significant. The museum, formerly the Experience Music Project, is dedicated to pop culture and music, making it an ideal setting beside tributes to other Seattle icons like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana (Fotospot; The Clio). The address is:

325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109

Its sidewalk location ensures maximum accessibility for fans, travelers, and locals alike.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Statue Hours: The Chris Cornell Memorial Statue is outdoors and accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No ticket is required to view the statue.
MoPOP Hours: Museum visiting hours are typically 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; check the MoPOP website for seasonal variations.
Admission: The statue is free to visit. MoPOP exhibitions require a ticket, which can be purchased online or at the museum.
Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, with flat pathways and accessible parking nearby. Public transit (Seattle Center Monorail, buses, and Link Light Rail) conveniently serves the area (MoPOP eMuseum).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: The Seattle Center Monorail, bus routes, and bike lanes make the site easily accessible. Paid parking lots are nearby but can fill up on weekends (imayroam.com).
Weather: Seattle’s weather can be variable; a rain jacket is recommended.
Nearby Sites:
- Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Features exhibits on grunge, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and more.
- Space Needle: Seattle’s most famous observation deck.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass: Stunning glass art next to MoPOP.
- A Sound Garden Sculpture: The namesake for Soundgarden, located at Magnuson Park (Billboard).
- Historic Music Venues: Paramount Theatre and Moore Theatre, both accessible by transit.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

Cornell’s music and advocacy for mental health left a lasting impact on fans and fellow musicians. The statue is a focal point for tributes and gatherings—visitors often leave flowers, guitar picks, and notes, especially on significant anniversaries. Beyond honoring his artistry, the memorial also spotlights the importance of mental health awareness and community support, supported by initiatives such as the Chris Cornell Music Therapy Program at Childhaven (Metal Injection; 90theoriginal).

Challenges and Restoration

In August 2020, the statue was defaced with white paint, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and rapid restoration efforts (Spin). This incident underscored the deep connection between the community and the memorial, as well as the resilience of Cornell’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Chris Cornell Memorial Statue?
A: The statue is outdoors and accessible 24/7, year-round.

Q: Is there an admission fee to see the statue?
A: No, visiting the statue is free. Entry fees apply only if you visit MoPOP.

Q: Is the statue wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the statue and surrounding plaza are fully wheelchair accessible.

Q: How do I get there via public transit?
A: Take the Seattle Center Monorail or buses to Seattle Center; the statue is a short walk from transit stops (imayroam.com).

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, several local organizations offer guided tours of Seattle’s music sites, including the statue.

Q: Are there any special events at the statue?
A: Memorial gatherings are often held on Cornell’s birthday (July 20) and the anniversary of his passing (May 18).

Summary and Visitor Tips

The Chris Cornell Memorial Statue is more than a monument—it’s a living landmark for music fans and a symbol of Seattle’s creative spirit. Its accessible, central location, thoughtful design, and ongoing community engagement make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in music history or Seattle’s cultural legacy. Enhance your visit by exploring MoPOP and other nearby attractions, and consider using digital resources like the Audiala app for curated tours and updates.