Art Ladder

Outside Looking In

The most innovative feature of the building is the brise soleil (“sun break”), comprised of alternating movable and stationary panels of ribbed steel. The brise soleil offers flexibility to both enhance our artistic program and take advantage of the panoramic natural vistas and urban scenery: when the panels of the brise soleil are open, natural light floods the public spaces and visitors catch glimpses of the water, mountains, and lively cityscape; when closed, light-sensitive works of art are protected.

The Artful Interior

Once inside, art is everywhere. Wherever you look, you see art that inspires, art that amuses, art that compels you to think. In this inspired setting, our collections have never looked better.

Upon entering SAM at Union and First Avenue, you find yourself in the Brotman Forum, our grand new public space, where international artist Cai Guo-Qiang’s monumental installation Inopportune: Stage One awaits you.

While Hammering Man is hard at work outside the large windows, inside on the Art Ladder—formerly called the Grand Staircase—families, including young children, can
enjoy artful educational activities. Designed for
people of all ages, these drop-in spaces include the
newly developed Artist Created Experience (ACE)
project that fosters intellectual and physical play.

Galleries

When you ride the escalators or elevators to the upper floors, you will experience galleries that are contemplative and inspiring—a place for reflection and tranquility in our fast-paced electronic age; and yet active—a setting which offers a richly diverse selection of first-rate art and different ways to access information about the art.

Open to All

The exterior of the old and new buildings are architecturally distinct, but on the interior the two museum buildings seamlessly connect. Not only is this the case on the Third and Fourth Floor galleries, but also on the lower two floors, a public space that everyone can access free of charge, coming or going from three entry points: the new entrance at First and Union, the entrance at First and University where Jonathan Borofsky’s Hammering Man stands, and the doors at Second and University, all of which remain open during museum hours. The city flows freely through the museum, a place energized by great art and stimulating educational activities.