Volunteer Park — Attraction in Seattle

Went here on a delightful crisp autumn morning during the week. While I had lived in Seattle for a couple of years I had only gotten around to visiting this park, one of the oldest in the city. Designed by the Olmsted brothers in the early 20th century it is a compact 48 acre park in Capitol Hill. It features the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Asian Art Museum as central points of interest. The grounds are landscaped to encourage walks along the winding paths through fields framed by mature trees. A children’s playground is at the northeast corner and has a fairly large selection of climbers, swings and so on plus a decent field for running around in. The conservatory has a large collection of plants housed in a lovely building of a classic 19th century greenhouse. We did not go in as there was a flower show on at the time and we didn’t feel motivated to pay the entrance fee for the show. The centerpiece of the park is the large and beautiful art deco Asian Art museum. We happened to be there on the Free Friday that occurs at the end of each month. The museum houses a diverse collection of Asian art both contemporary and historical. The contemporary exhibit was towards the back of the building in an addition that is a delight in and of itself with its floor to ceiling windows that open to a view of the wooded park while bathing the interior in natural light. Even if you have little knowledge or exposure to Asian art this museum will have something for everyone. In front of the museum the landscaping opens up to a great view of the city and the reservoir just below the top. Off to the side is an amphitheater that holds presentations in the warmer months. Several formal ponds are near the open area in front of the museum that offer seating and a view of the lily pads. Benches are scattered throughout the park. At the south end of the park is the water tower that has a viewing platform that offers grand views of the city. We did not go up to the platform so I cannot vouch for the boast but am confident the views are excellent. Overall a great little park with a lot to do and adjacent to the numerous restaurants and shops of...

Volunteer Park in Seattle is like stepping into another world, one that’s a little eerie, a little mysterious, but absolutely captivating. This place has a vibe that’s perfect for those of us who appreciate the darker, more introspective side of life. The towering trees, sprawling lawns, and old-school architecture give the park a kind of timeless, almost gothic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re in your own private sanctuary away from the chaos of the city.

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a definite highlight, with its Victorian-style greenhouse full of strange, beautiful plants that seem straight out of a dark fairy tale. And the Seattle Asian Art Museum? It’s got that cool, serene energy, with art that feels both ancient and relevant.

But what really seals the deal is the iconic water tower. Climbing to the top feels like a ritual, and the view from up there is killer, Mount Rainier looming in the distance, the city spread out below like a dystopian dreamscape.

Whether you’re wandering the hidden paths, brooding by the koi pond, or getting lost in thought by the “Black Sun” sculpture, Volunteer Park is the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys a bit of solitude and reflection in a place that’s got serious soul. If you’re into quiet, moody spots where you can just be, this park is...

This park is beautiful and clean. So excited for the summer to see the flowers in bloom! The Black Sun sculpture looks out over the huge, retired reservoir down on the Space Needle and out over downtown and the waterfront from on the top of a breathtaking vantage point on the tallest hill around, which it shares with an old brick watertower--also no longer in use but is sometimes open to the public to climb the difficult spiral staircase to the top for another great vista on downtown Seattle. The Asian Art Museum is here, as well as greenhouses and a conservatory, and tennis courts are available for reservations online. The surrounding houses are complimentary to the green space of the park and the neighborhood is usually pretty quiet.

I've been wondering what that small concrete stage at the bottom of the field could be used for. There are restrooms built-in and it looks wired for electricity but I've never seen anyone using it for any reason. Might be a cool place for a free concert or something. Idk, I'm just spitballing, here.

Oh, there's a small duck pond, too. Very peaceful little...