Historic street view of First Avenue South between South Lander Street and South Forest Street in Seattle on February 26, 1927, showing cobblestone streets, street railroad tracks, utility poles, and the Sears Tower on the left

Smith Tower

Smith Tower Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Smith Tower and Its Historical Significance

Smith Tower is a defining feature of Seattle’s Pioneer Square, standing as a testament to the city’s early 20th-century ambition and architectural innovation. Opened on July 4, 1914, Smith Tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at 462 feet, symbolizing Seattle’s transformation into a modern metropolis (Smith Tower Official). Conceived by L.C. Smith and brought to completion by his son, Burns Lyman Smith, the building’s blend of neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, along with its unique features such as historic elevators and an open-air observatory, make it both a historical and cultural landmark (CityBop; Tiqets). Today, Smith Tower not only preserves its heritage but also offers vibrant modern experiences, including a prohibition-era bar and a rooftop apiary, making it a must-visit Seattle attraction.

Comparison of Second Avenue from Yesler Way in Seattle in 1917 and 1890 showing urban development

Seattle city streets intersection of Second Avenue and Yesler Way circa 1920 with visible vintage storefronts and signage

Second Avenue in Seattle looking south toward Cherry Street with street lights, automobiles, and buildings including the LC Smith Building

Vintage black and white photo looking south on 2nd Avenue from Marion Street in Seattle circa 1915, featuring the L.C. Smith Building

Historic black and white photograph looking south on 2nd Avenue from Marion Street in Seattle circa 1915 showing the L.C. Smith Building on the right amid streetcars and early automobiles

Historic black and white photo of 3rd Avenue south from Marion Street around 1913 showing the Central Building on the left and the New Western Hotel, Fern Block, and Smith Tower on the right.

Advertisement for LC Smith Building in Seattle from Argus newspaper July 1914

Armored cruiser Seattle anchored in Elliott Bay with Seattle skyline in the background, 1920s

Photograph of page 1 of a 1914 Town Crier article about Seattle's L.C. Smith Building highlighting its significance as a 42-story office building symbolizing Seattle's growth and business confidence

Panoramic view of Seattle from Post Street powerhouse in 1913

Battleships docked in Elliot Bay, Seattle, on July 4, 1922 at night

Historic street view of City Hall Park, Frye Hotel, King County Courthouse and Smith Tower in Seattle circa 1915

Street view of City Hall Park, Frye Hotel and Smith Tower in Seattle around 1915

Historic view of Seattle City Hall Park with Arctic Club Building, City Hall, L. C. Smith Building, Frye Hotel, and King County Courthouse in 1916

Steamer Iroquois arriving at Colman Dock in Seattle, 1915, with Smith Tower in background

Commuters waiting for trolley at Yesler Way in snowy Seattle 1916

Completed Smith Tower in Seattle with window cleaning scaffolding halfway up the main building in 1914

Smith Tower in Seattle with window cleaning scaffolding near the top in 1914

Historic view of Court House Square in Seattle showing King County Courthouse, L.C. Smith Building, and Frye Hotel

View of downtown Seattle from Beacon Hill in 1914 showing Chinatown, Smith Tower, Colman Dock, King Street Station, and dirt piles along unfinished Dearborn Street.

Exterior of Lowman & Hanford Co. building at 107 Cherry Street, Seattle, 1920 with Smith Tower visible behind

Exterior of Lowman and Hanford Printing and Binding building in Seattle circa 1914, with Smith Tower visible in background and delivery wagon on street

Damage in Pioneer Square from the 02/28 earthquake in Seattle, WA

Earthquake damage in Pioneer Square historic district of Seattle during 2001

42-story L. C. Smith Building, also known as Smith Tower, skyscraper in Seattle, Washington

Historic view of the southeast corner of Second Avenue and Columbia Street in downtown Seattle with iconic early 20th-century bank and commercial buildings

Florence Theatre building in Seattle in the 1930s

Smith Tower and Frye Hotel along Yesler Avenue in Seattle in 1914

Fireboats battling fire at Seattle's Grand Trunk Pacific Dock on July 30, 1914

Historic fire at Seattle's Grand Trunk Pacific Dock with fireboats Duwamish and Snoqualmie battling flames on July 30, 1914

Firefighters aiming hoses at fire on Grand Trunk Pacific Dock in Seattle, July 30, 1914

Post-fire remains of Galbraith, Bacon & Co. dock at foot of Madison St. Seattle 1914

Fire at Grand Trunk Pacific Dock with fireboat Duwamish in Seattle, July 1914

Ruins of Grand Trunk Pacific Dock after fire in Seattle, 1914, viewed from rowboat with Smith Tower in background

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Visitor Experience
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
FAQ
Visuals and Media
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction

The vision for Smith Tower began in the early 1900s, when L.C. Smith, a prominent figure in the typewriter industry, sought to invest in Seattle’s future. Initially planned as an 18-story building, his son, Burns Lyman Smith, expanded the project into a 42-story skyscraper after L.C. Smith’s death, aiming to elevate Seattle’s skyline. Construction commenced in 1912 and concluded two years later, marking a new era for the city (Smith Tower Official).

Architectural Features

Upon its opening in 1914, Smith Tower became the tallest building west of the Mississippi and the fourth tallest in the world. Its design, by Gaggin & Gaggin of New York, features a white terra cotta façade, neoclassical detailing, and Art Nouveau touches. Notable elements include the ornate lobby, original Otis elevators topped with carved Native American chieftain heads, and the distinctive pyramid-shaped roof (SAH Archipedia).

Role in Urban Development

Smith Tower helped catalyze the revitalization of Pioneer Square following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, serving as a symbol of the city’s resilience and growth. Its observation deck quickly became a civic landmark, offering views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains (HistoryLink).

Ownership and Revitalization

Over the decades, Smith Tower changed hands multiple times, including a notable period under restaurateur Ivar Haglund in the 1970s. Facing financial challenges, it entered foreclosure in 2012, but was subsequently acquired and revitalized by Unico Properties in 2015. The building underwent significant restoration, reopening with enhanced public spaces, a prohibition-themed bar, and new exhibits (Freestone Capital; Wikipedia).

Visiting Information

Smith Tower Visiting Hours

Standard Hours: Open daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Last Entry: Final elevator ride to the observatory is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Seasonal Variations: Hours may vary for holidays or private events; always confirm on the official website or ticketing platforms.

Ticket Prices and Purchase

Self-Guided Tour & Observatory Access: Standard adult tickets are $19.14 (a nod to the building’s opening year). Discounts available for seniors, children, and WA State residents (Wikipedia).
Bar-Only Access: Reduced cover charge for entry to the Observatory bar.
Combination Tickets: Some platforms offer bundled experiences with other Seattle attractions (Tiqets).
Purchase Options: Tickets can be bought onsite at the Provisions Store or online in advance (Smith Tower Tickets).

Accessibility

Smith Tower is committed to accessibility for all visitors:

Wheelchair Access: Elevators serve all floors; observatory and restrooms are accessible (Smith Tower FAQ).
Service Animals: Permitted; pets are not allowed.
Elevator Attendants: Staff are available to assist those with special needs.

Getting There and Parking

Address: 506 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Public Transit: Close to major bus lines and Pioneer Square light rail station.
Parking: Butler Garage is recommended; street parking and other garages are available (Freestone Capital). Butler Garage promo code “vofeusyz” may offer discounted rates (Smith Tower FAQ).

Visitor Experience

Observatory and Bar

The 35th-floor Observatory provides panoramic 360-degree views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics. The Observatory bar, styled in a 1920s chinoiserie and prohibition-era motif, offers craft cocktails, local wines, beers, and a selection of small plates. Enjoy signature drinks and seasonal fare as you take in the sights (Smith Tower Ticket Info; citybop.com).

Historical Exhibits

Visitors are invited to explore “The Legends of Smith Tower” self-guided exhibits, which detail the building’s construction, cultural history, and role in shaping Seattle’s skyline. Artifacts and interpretive panels bring the tower’s past to life (ParentMap).

Events and Tours

Guided Tours: Offered daily at scheduled times; advance booking is recommended.
Special Events: Includes prohibition-themed evenings, honey harvest demonstrations from the rooftop apiary, and private event rentals.
Group Visits: Accommodations for groups of 10 or more, with customizable packages.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Times: Visit on weekdays or in the morning for fewer crowds. Sunset views from the Observatory are particularly striking.
Nearby Sights: Pioneer Square (art galleries, historic sites), the Seattle Underground Tour, and the waterfront are all within walking distance (thebrokebackpacker.com).
Dining: In addition to Smith Tower’s bar, Pioneer Square offers a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Smith Tower’s visiting hours?
A: Hours are generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but check the official site for current info.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard adult tickets are $19.14; discounts are available for seniors, children, and WA residents.

Q: Is Smith Tower accessible?
A: Yes, elevators and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, both guided and self-guided tour options are offered.

Q: Can I host private events at Smith Tower?
A: Yes, the Observatory and bar can be reserved for private functions.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Butler Garage and several public lots are nearby.

Visuals and Media

Smith Tower exterior view

Observation deck panoramic view

For a virtual experience, visit the Smith Tower virtual tour page.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Smith Tower offers an unforgettable experience that fuses Seattle’s architectural legacy with modern amenities and cultural programming. From the historic elevators and “Wishing Chair” to the spectacular Observatory views and prohibition-era bar, every visit is both educational and memorable.

To make the most of your trip:

Purchase tickets online in advance.
Download the Audiala app for audio guides and event updates.
Combine your visit with other Pioneer Square attractions for a complete Seattle experience.

Follow Smith Tower on social media for the latest news, and explore related articles for more on Seattle’s rich history.