Seattle University Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Seattle University

Seattle University, situated in the dynamic Capitol Hill and First Hill neighborhoods of Seattle, Washington, is a distinguished institution known for its academic rigor, deep-rooted Jesuit traditions, and commitment to social justice. Established in 1891 by Jesuit priest Adrian Sweere, S.J., the university has grown from a small parish school into a leading center for higher education. The campus, spanning 55 acres, is celebrated for its harmonious blend of historic and contemporary architecture, sustainable green spaces, and vibrant public art installations. Visitors are encouraged to experience not only the academic environment but also the cultural and historical treasures of the university, including the iconic Chapel of St. Ignatius, renowned sculptures, and ongoing sustainability initiatives. For the most current information on visiting hours, tours, and special events, consult the Seattle University Visitor Guide and HistoryLink: Chapel of St. Ignatius.

Table of Contents

Welcome to Seattle University: A Destination for Discovery

Seattle University offers more than an academic setting—it is a destination that invites visitors to explore history, artistry, and sustainable urban design. Whether you are a prospective student, an architecture lover, or a cultural enthusiast, this guide outlines everything you need for a memorable visit.


Visiting Information

Location: 901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

Access: Easily reached via King County Metro buses and the Seattle Streetcar First Hill Line. The campus is walkable and offers limited paid parking.

Opening Hours:

  • Campus Grounds: Open daily from dawn until dusk
  • Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sat–Sun, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Visitor Center: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Tours and Tickets:

  • General Visits: Free and open to the public.
  • Guided Tours: Available by appointment through the admissions office; pre-registration is recommended.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Downloadable maps and GPS-enabled tours are available online.

Historical Overview

Seattle University’s story began in 1891 as a Jesuit parish school and has evolved into a major university committed to academic excellence, social justice, and community service. Named after Chief Seattle, the university is deeply engaged with the city’s cultural and historical landscape.


Campus Highlights and Attractions

Art and Sculpture

The campus features notable works such as George Tsutakawa’s Centennial Fountain and Dale Chihuly’s glass sculpture in Pigott Hall. Art by Chuck Close and Jacob Lawrence also enhance the visual experience, making the campus a draw for art lovers.

Sustainability Initiatives

Seattle University is a pioneer in urban sustainability, with pesticide-free landscaping, on-site composting, energy conservation, and a designation as a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy tranquil green spaces and eco-friendly gardens throughout the grounds.

Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons

This modern facility, completed in 2010, provides interactive exhibits, study areas, and access to the university’s archives—ideal for research and quiet reflection.


Accessibility

The campus is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible parking at major buildings. The Visitor Center can provide additional assistance and maps for those with mobility needs.


Nearby Attractions

Seattle University is a short distance from Capitol Hill’s eclectic eateries, shops, and nightlife. Downtown Seattle highlights such as Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Seattle Art Museum are easily accessible by public transit.


Chapel of St. Ignatius: History and Visitor Guide

Historical Significance

Completed in 1997, the Chapel of St. Ignatius is a celebrated work by architect Steven Holl. The chapel is recognized for its interplay of natural and colored light and serves as a spiritual and architectural landmark (HistoryLink: Chapel of St. Ignatius).

Visiting Hours and Admission

  • Hours: Typically open 8:00 AM–9:00 PM daily. Check the website for changes during events or holidays.
  • Admission: Free; no tickets required for individuals. Group tours require advance registration (Campus Tour Registration).

Tour Options

  • Guided Tours: Offered Mon–Fri at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and select weekends. Register in advance for group tours.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Available with registration; receive GPS-enabled links (Self-Guided Campus Tours).
  • Virtual Tours: Interactive online tours for remote visitors (Virtual Information Sessions).

Architectural Features and Photographic Opportunities

The chapel is renowned for its geometric forms, creative use of light, and contemplative spaces. Photo opportunities abound, particularly at sunrise or sunset when colored glass transforms the interior. Campus gardens, the library, and historic Garrand Hall are also popular photo spots.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Ramps, elevators, and paved paths make the chapel and campus accessible. Registered visitors receive parking instructions. Dining options are available on campus and throughout Capitol Hill.

Directions and Accommodations

  • By Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 15 miles south.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s King Street Station is 1.5 miles away.
  • By Car/Public Transit: Served by I-5 and multiple bus routes.
  • Accommodations: Several nearby hotels offer visitor discounts (Hotels Near Seattle University).

Exploring Capitol Hill

Explore local coffee shops, diverse restaurants, music venues, and parks like Cal Anderson and Volunteer Park to complement your campus visit.


Visiting the Seattle University Campus

Campus Overview

Seattle University’s walkable campus features a blend of classic and contemporary architecture and lush, sustainable gardens. Public transportation access is excellent and parking is available in the Broadway and Murphy Garages (SeattleU Events).

Additional Highlights

  • Lemieux Library: Home to unique collections and welcoming study spaces.
  • The Quad: Central green space ideal for relaxation.
  • Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation: Modern science exhibitions and lectures.
  • Lee Center for the Arts & Hedreen Gallery: Rotating art exhibitions and performances.

Events and Cultural Experiences

The university hosts public events year-round, including commencement ceremonies, cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, and summer festivals. Consult the SeattleU Events Calendar for details.

Visitor Amenities

  • On-campus and nearby dining
  • Accessible facilities and restrooms
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Visitor Center assistance

Tips for Visiting

  • Use public transit for convenience.
  • Visit in June to enjoy festivals and gardens in bloom.
  • Check event calendars for public activities.
  • Respect campus guidelines and private events.

Safety and Security

Security patrols and emergency call stations are present throughout the campus. Secure valuables and report any concerns to campus security.

Bookstore and Souvenirs

Browse the Seattle University Bookstore for apparel and gifts.

Green Initiatives

Seattle University is a leader in environmental stewardship, encouraging recycling and composting on campus.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there an admission fee to visit campus or the chapel?
A: No, both are free and open to the public.

Q: How do I schedule a guided campus or chapel tour?
A: Register online via the Campus Tour Registration.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited paid parking is available; public transit is recommended.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: June is ideal for campus events and pleasant weather.

Q: Is the campus accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.


Seattle Space Needle: Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Tips

While visiting Seattle University, consider exploring the Space Needle, another city icon:

  • Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last entry 7:30 PM)
  • Admission: Adults $35, Seniors $30, Youth $25, Children under 5 free
  • Tickets: Purchase online or at the entrance (Space Needle Official)
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; service animals allowed
  • Nearby: Chihuly Garden and Glass, MoPOP, Seattle Center

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Seattle University is an exceptional destination for those seeking history, art, spirituality, and sustainability in the heart of Seattle. For the latest updates, event details, and tour information, visit the Seattle University Visitor Guide and SeattleU Events Calendar.

Enhance your experience with the Audiala app for interactive tours and follow Seattle University on social media for insider tips and updates. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Seattle University’s blend of heritage and innovation promises a rewarding adventure.



Visit The Most Interesting Places In Seattle

1000 Second Avenue
1000 Second Avenue
1120 Denny Way
1120 Denny Way
1201 Third Avenue
1201 Third Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
5Th Avenue Theatre
5Th Avenue Theatre
7Th & Jackson
7Th & Jackson
970 Denny Way
970 Denny Way
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Tower I
Amazon Tower I
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  Andy'S Diner
| Andy'S Diner
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  Angie'S Umbrella
| Angie'S Umbrella
Annapurna Cafe
Annapurna Cafe
Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle
Arthur Foss
Arthur Foss
Artusi
Artusi
Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall
Benson Hall
Benson Hall
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Boeing Plant 2
Boeing Plant 2
Broken Obelisk
Broken Obelisk
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park
Camlin Hotel
Camlin Hotel
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
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  Cc'S
| Cc'S
Central Saloon
Central Saloon
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Cirrus
Cirrus
City University Of Seattle
City University Of Seattle
Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Colman Dock
Colman Dock
Columbia Center
Columbia Center
Condon Hall
Condon Hall
Conibear Shellhouse
Conibear Shellhouse
Copacabana Restaurant
Copacabana Restaurant
Cuff Complex
Cuff Complex
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Denny Hall
Denny Hall
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Docusign Tower
Docusign Tower
Double Header
Double Header
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Drumheller Fountain
Drumheller Fountain
Duwamish
Duwamish
Eagle
Eagle
Egyptian Theater
Egyptian Theater
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
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  Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
| Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
Freeway Park
Freeway Park
Frye Art Museum
Frye Art Museum
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park
George Washington Memorial Bridge
George Washington Memorial Bridge
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Gum Wall
Gum Wall
Harbor Island
Harbor Island
Harvard Exit Theatre
Harvard Exit Theatre
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Henry Art Gallery
Henry Art Gallery
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Howe Street Stairs
Howe Street Stairs
Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium
International District / Chinatown
International District / Chinatown
Interurban Building
Interurban Building
Iron Horse
Iron Horse
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  Jack'S Fish Spot
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Kenyon Hall
Kenyon Hall
King County Courthouse
King County Courthouse
Kobe Bell
Kobe Bell
Lady Rainier
Lady Rainier
Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery
Lake Washington Ship Canal
Lake Washington Ship Canal
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  Living Computers: Museum + Labs
| Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Louisa Boren Park
Louisa Boren Park
Lumen Field
Lumen Field
Made In Usa
Made In Usa
Magnuson Park
Magnuson Park
Maíz
Maíz
Maneki
Maneki
Market Theatre
Market Theatre
Marmite
Marmite
Maynard Building
Maynard Building
Mccaw Hall
Mccaw Hall
Mcgraw Square
Mcgraw Square
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
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  Merchant'S Cafe
| Merchant'S Cafe
Momiji
Momiji
Moore Theatre
Moore Theatre
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of Pop Culture
Museum Of Pop Culture
Mutual Life Building
Mutual Life Building
Myrtle Edwards Park
Myrtle Edwards Park
National Nordic Museum
National Nordic Museum
Neukom Vivarium
Neukom Vivarium
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
Occidental Park
Occidental Park
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Off The Rez
Off The Rez
Ok Hotel
Ok Hotel
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Pacific Place
Pacific Place
Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center
Padelford Hall
Padelford Hall
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square Pergola
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Pioneer Square Totem Pole
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Playhouse Theatre
Playhouse Theatre
Pony
Pony
Port Of Seattle
Port Of Seattle
Prefontaine Fountain
Prefontaine Fountain
Queen Anne Columbarium
Queen Anne Columbarium
Rainier Tower
Rainier Tower
Red Square
Red Square
Roy Vue
Roy Vue
Russell Investments Center
Russell Investments Center
Safeco Plaza
Safeco Plaza
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Center
Seattle Center
Seattle Central Library
Seattle Central Library
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  Seattle Children'S
| Seattle Children'S
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  Seattle Children'S Museum
| Seattle Children'S Museum
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Convention Center
Seattle Convention Center
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  Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
| Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle Yacht Club
Seattle Yacht Club
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  Sick'S Stadium
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Smith Tower
Smith Tower
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  St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
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Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
State Route 99 Tunnel
State Route 99 Tunnel
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Liberty
Statue Of Liberty
Suzzallo Library
Suzzallo Library
Swedish Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
Swiftsure
Swiftsure
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taku
Taku
The Crocodile
The Crocodile
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The London Plane
The London Plane
The Mitt
The Mitt
The Penthouse
The Penthouse
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The Triple Door
The Triple Door
The Wildrose
The Wildrose
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Times Square Building
Times Square Building
Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall Seattle
Unicorn
Unicorn
Union Square
Union Square
Union Station
Union Station
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United States Courthouse
United States Courthouse
University Of Washington
University Of Washington
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Medical Center
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University Of Washington Quad
University Of Washington Quad
University Unitarian Church
University Unitarian Church
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
U.S. Bank Center
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Uw Tower
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Virginia V
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Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park Conservatory
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Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
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Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Westin Building
Westin Building
Westlake Center
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Westlake Park
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Wind Cradle
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Woodland Park Zoo
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