Caring for the Art

Since the Olympic Sculpture Park opened, January 20 2007, we have received questions about our policy regarding the care of the works of art. Here is our response:

Why can't we touch or climb on the art at the Olympic Sculpture Park?

• SAM's goal is to keep the art in the best condition possible for our visitors and future generations.
• The majority of sculpture parks around the country have the same policy. SAM spent
  years researching other parks and talking with artists and other conservators before forming the policy. For example, the Nasher, MOMA, the Walker and the Hirschorn all have similar policies to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
• Sometimes the slightest touch can damage the surface of a work of art while other works are able to withstand reasonable touching. Approximately 25% of the sculptures in the park can be
  touched.
• The park was carefully designed to make the art accessible. It is integrated with the
  landscape and architecture.

What are you doing about the graffiti on Wake and Stinger?

• Fortunately, no major damage has occurred and SAM's conservation team is on top of the
  issues.
• Signage has helped raise awareness of the damage that the art touching can cause.
• The vast majority of visitors are very respectful of the art and have responded well to the signage.
• We have also posted extra security and volunteers near the pieces to explain to visitors why touching can be harmful to the sculptures.
• The park has seen over 90,000 visitors in the first few weeks of opening and overall the park and the art are in excellent shape. People are so enthusiastic to have a new free park in the heart of our city.