Naramore Fountain Sculpture

Did the cascading water of the Naramore Fountain ever catch your eye before you even knew its name? This fountain isn’t just a pretty sight. It’s a piece of art, a story in bronze and water. The Naramore Fountain, nestled in Freeway Park, was created in 1967 by George Tsutakawa. It was a unique piece for its time, placed above eye level on a bed of Cascade Mountain rocks. This gives it the appearance of a mountain stream flowing through the city. Floyd Naramore, the architect who commissioned the piece, wanted something to soften the harsh edges of the freeway cutting through downtown. The fountain was strategically placed at the corner of 6th Avenue and Seneca Street to ease the transition from concrete jungle to bustling city life. The sculptor, George Tsutakawa, considered this fountain unique because of the way the water interacts with the bronze sculpture. The water is forced up against the sides and over the petal-like bronze leaves, creating a dynamic visual and auditory experience. The Naramore Fountain stands at an impressive 15 feet tall and 7 feet 3 inches wide. It’s constructed from bronze, concrete, and aggregate, a testament to Tsutakawa’s skill and vision. Look closely at the fountain’s crown. You might notice some of the tallest points are bent. A reminder that even beautiful art is not immune to the realities of urban life. The Naramore Fountain is more than just a water feature. It’s a reflection of Seattle’s artistic spirit and its ability to find beauty even in unexpected places. It is a fusion of nature and urban design, a place where the rush of the city meets the tranquility of a mountain stream.