Seattle Center's Mural Gets A 'Facelift'

Work began this week to restore the Seattle Mural, the colorful backdrop for the Mural Amphitheatre at Seattle Center. Created by famed artist Paul Horiuchi for the 1962 Seattle World" Fair, the glass mosaic mural has become a Seattle landmark. Art conservators will work through July 29 to replace missing glass pieces and remove silica deposits from the surface of the artwork.

The restoration is a joint project of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and Seattle Center. Through its conservation program, the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs regularly inspects and maintains approximately 400 artworks in the city"s public art collection.

The restoration restores Seattle Mural in time for The Next Fifty, the 50th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World"s Fair, April 21 - Oct. 21, 2012. The six-month celebration focuses on key areas of development and leadership in the region, including: Sustainable Futures, Global Health, Science and Technology, Learning, Commerce and Innovation, Civic Action, Art, Culture and Design, and History, engaging audiences virtually and live through interactive activities, events, competitions, special productions, exhibits and more on the grounds of Seattle Center. Audiences attending the KEXP and Seattle Center Presents Concerts at the Mural, Friday evenings at 6 p.m. in Aug., will also enjoy the Mural"s new sheen.

The Mural restoration project has been made possible, in part, with funding from the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, Seattle Center, 4Culture and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information on the project or The Next Fifty, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.

About Seattle Center

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with nearly 500 public program activities and over 5,000 campus shows and events annually. The 74-acre campus is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban gathering places exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring together our rich and varied community. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.

 

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