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A look inside the Amazon Spheres in Seattle

Amazon Spheres Seattle: How to Visit and What to Expect

Step inside the Amazon Spheres on the first or third Saturday of each month with a reservation, or drop into the Understory visitor center as a walk-in guest any Tuesday through Saturday.

Part ofThings to do in Seattle

Frequently asked questions

Yes, on the first and third Saturday of each month with a reservation made through the official Seattle Spheres website.

Understory is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. Hours can change, so confirm on the official site.

Most people fully experience the exhibit in 20 to 40 minutes.

Leashed, well-behaved pets are allowed in Understory, but only service animals may enter the Spheres themselves.

Transit or rideshare is encouraged, but paid parking is available at 2021 7th Avenue, 2121 7th Avenue and on nearby streets.

The full guide

Behind curved glass in downtown Seattle, more than 40,000 plants grow in a setting that feels closer to a misty cloud forest than a city block. To step inside the Amazon Spheres in Seattle, reserve a spot for a public day on the first or third Saturday of each month. Any other time, head to Understory, the visitor center at the base of the Spheres, open Tuesday through Saturday. Both sit at 2101 7th Avenue.

Why the Spheres Are Worth a Stop

The Spheres started life as a workplace experiment, Amazon's way of giving urban office workers something most offices lack: a direct connection to nature. What came of it is a set of glass domes filled with more than 40,000 plants, gathered from cloud forest regions in over 30 countries.

Walk through and the office setting fades away, replaced by the feeling of a misty mountain forest dropped into the middle of the city. The striking architecture alone has quickly made this one of the most recognizable Seattle landmarks, so it earns a spot on your downtown route.

Read the full guide

Book a Saturday Inside the Domes

Plan ahead for this part of your trip. Public access to the Spheres themselves is limited to two Saturdays a month, and you will need a reservation, which you can make through the official Seattle Spheres website. Because slots are tied to those specific dates, it pays to pick your Saturday early.

Leave pets at home for your time in the domes, since service animals are the only animals allowed inside the Spheres.

Explore Understory, Open to Everyone

Anyone can wander into Understory, an immersive exhibit about biophilia, the idea that people share a built-in bond with nature. It also explains the unusual environment of the Spheres overhead, so stop in before or after a Saturday booking to round out the experience.

Hours and Time to Plan

Drop by Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., keeping in mind that Understory is closed Sunday and Monday. Hours can change, so check the official site before heading over. Most visitors see everything in 20 to 40 minutes, which makes it an easy addition to a busy day.

Good to Know Before You Go

  • Photos: Bring your camera for personal photography, but skip the flash, tripods and other bulky gear.
  • Kids: Visitors of all ages are welcome, as long as minors stay with an adult the whole time.
  • Pets: Leashed, well-behaved pets can join you in Understory, unlike the Spheres.

Getting There

Hop on public transit or grab a rideshare for the easiest arrival. If you drive, look for paid parking at 2021 7th Avenue and 2121 7th Avenue, along with spaces on nearby streets.

Since Understory takes under an hour, it pairs nicely with other stops. Browse these things to do in Seattle to fill out your day, or set off to discover more Seattle neighborhoods. If the Spheres leave you craving more greenery, this guide to Seattle parks offers plenty of outdoor options.

Send any questions about your visit to [email protected].

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