
Have you ever walked by The Spheres in Seattle and wondered what was inside?
Well, now you can find out. They are open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of every month. The best part is that it’s completely free to visit! You just have to reserve a slot ahead of time.
Read on to learn more about the Spheres and how to visit them.
The Spheres (also known as the Amazon Spheres and the Seattle Spheres) were built in 2018 to provide Amazon employees a unique and inspiring workplace. Quickly becoming a contemporary Seattle landmark, the Spheres are impossible to miss when you’re downtown.
Ready to schedule your visit to the Seattle Spheres? The Spheres’ indoor gardens open to the public on the first and third Saturday of every month, free of charge. However, advance reservations are required.
Reservations for the Seattle Spheres become available 15 days prior to the date. So if you know you want to visit, it takes a little bit of advance planning. We recommend setting a reminder for yourself to book your spot exactly 15 days before the date of your preferred visit, since they tend to go quickly once reservations open up.
As for what you’ll find inside, prepare yourself for a botanical wonderland. Aiming to create an urban office that provided employees with daily exposure to nature, Amazon filled the spheres with more than 40,000 plants cloud forest regions of over 30 countries. The climate inside the Spheres is consistently set at a humid 72 degrees Fahrenheit, making it feel like a tropical escape if you visit during Seattle’s winter months.
If you bring a heavy coat, prepare to carry it around with you due to the warmth and the lack of a coat check. Leave your furry friend at home as well; no pets are allowed. There are no age restrictions for visitors to the Spheres.
Don’t expect to be able to buy lunch inside the Spheres. The only food vendor inside the Spheres is General Porpoise Doughnuts. In addition to donuts you can enjoy coffee, gelato, and soda on the second floor. If you’re hungry for something more substantial, there are plenty of dining options in the surrounding downtown area.
You’ll also want to note that this is not a guided tour. You’ll be free to explore the interior of the Spheres on your own. That being said, there are experts and volunteers available to answer any questions you may have.
If you’re unable to make a reservation to go inside the Spheres but find yourself in the area, consider popping into the Understory instead. This visitor center under the Spheres is free and open to the public without advance registration. Here you can learn about the Spheres and engage directly with artists in residence. The Understory is open Tuesday to Saturday from 3pm – 6pm and from noon to 3pm on Sunday.
Another fun thing to do is visit the speakeasy located underneath the Spheres. Deep Dive is a swanky cocktail bar tucked away in the base of the Spheres. They have walk-in seating but reservations are recommended. They’re open from 4:00 to 10:00 Sunday through Wednesday and 4:00 to 11:00 Thursday through Saturday.
You can visit the Spheres website for more information and to make a reservation.
The Spheres
Where: 2111 7th Ave
Hours: 10am – 6pm on the first and third Saturdays of every month
Cost: Free