10 Best Famous Buildings In Washington, USA - Updated 2024

famous buildings in washington
Sophie
Sophie 
Updated
| 4 min read

We are all familiar with the name, Washington. Washington got its name from the very first US President, George Washington. The state has a population of around 7.5 million people as of 2018. There is an abundance of activities you can do here, like learning about the history of America, visiting famous landmarks like The Washington State Capitol, Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture, or admiring the state’s magnificent natural wonders. If you are visiting Washington for the first time and would like to find out what are some good places to check out that are worth your time, read on to learn more about some of the most famous buildings in Washington, USA.

1. Washington State Capitol Building

The Washington State Capitol
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bluedisk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Washington State Capitol, otherwise known as the Legislative Building, is a historic landmark in Washington. The building was completed in 1928 and is home to government officials. It also serves as a symbol of Washington’s democratic government. The building provides free tours which would take about an hour. The tour will be about the history and architecture of the building and about the legislative branch of the government. The tour is about an hour or so, and it is definitely worth checking out this popular Washington landmark.

Washington State Capitol Building

Address: 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia, Washington 98504

Website: Washington State Capitol Building

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2. Space Needle

Located in Seattle, Washington, is another treasured and popular landmark. Initially, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World Fair and formally opened on April 21, 1962. It is about 184 metres tall, and it remains to be one of the most photographed structures in the world. When you visit the building, you will get to step on an all-glass floor which makes the experience thrilling and exciting. If you’re hungry, you also don’t need to worry; the building has a cafe, Atmos Cafe, that will fill up your stomach and you get to enjoy a fantastic view of Seattle. Visiting the Space Needle is a must-do activity when you find yourself in the city of Seattle.

Space Needle

Address: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

Website: Space Needle

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3. Teapot Dome Gas Station

Teapot Dome Service Station, Zillah WA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iflorea used under CC BY-SA 4.0

As the name suggests, the shape of the building is the shape of a teapot. The Teapot Dome Gas is located at Zillah and was initially a gas station. The gas station was built in 1922 and holds a historic significance. It had a role in a scandal involving the former 29th president, Warren G. Harding. The place no longer sells gas as people now associate this structure more with the scandal. However, you can definitely snap some nice photos of the place.

Teapot Dome Gas Station

Address: 117 1st Ave, Zillah, WA 98953, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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4. Museum of Pop Culture

The museum of pop culture is an eye-catching museum. The museum is located in Seattle, a nonprofit museum that showcases contemporary pop culture. The place was founded by one of Microsoft’s co-founders, Paul Allen. When visiting, you will be able to visit the exhibitions that the museum has to offer. Furthermore, the museum has a number of educational programmes suited to visitors’ based on their interests.

Museum of Pop Culture

Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States

Website: Museum of Pop Culture

Price: 23 - 28 USD

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5. 1201 Third Avenue

1201 Third Avenue - WAMU Tower

1201 Third Avenue, formerly known as Washington Mutual Tower, is one of the tallest buildings in Washington. The 55 storey building reaches to about almost 240 metres (772 feet) in height. The building was built in 1986 and finally launched in 1988. It is located in downtown Seattle. The office building has quite a few amenities to offer to its visitors. You can check out the Melange Market, or if you like to do your hair, head down to Peter Lopez Salon.

1201 Third Avenue

Address: 1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

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6. Fifth Avenue

901 5th Avenue (Seattle, Washington)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Visitor7 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Initially known as the Union Bank of California Building, it is now renamed as 901 Fifth Avenue. It is one of the tallest buildings in downtown Seattle and is 42 storeys high. The building is accessible via public transport and has a range of amenities. Why not grab a cup of coffee and relax at the lawn courtyard?

901 Fifth Avenue

Address: 901 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98164

Website: 901 Fifth Avenue

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7. Columbia Center

Columbia Center
Source: Unsplash

The 76-storey building is the tallest building in Seattle, Washington. It was formerly known as Bank of America Tower and Columbia Seafirst Center. If you like to see Seattle from the top, Columbia Center has an attraction that offers to its guests. Visit the Sky View Observatory and you are able to enjoy the city skyline. You would need to purchase a ticket if you like to visit the Sky View Observatory. The centre is accessible via public transport.

Columbia Center

Address: 701 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States

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8. Museum of History & Industry

The museum is located in South Lake Union, Seattle. There are a number of exhibitions that you can visit in the museum. It always has upcoming exhibitions, so be sure to plan your trip to the museum carefully. Are you a fan of the seas, ships or submarines? You can visit the Maritime Seattle exhibition! It will be a family-friendly affair. There is even an exhibition for young children, aged 2 to 7. A visit to this museum will be entertaining yet educational. Be sure to check it out with your kids.

Museum of History & Industry

Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United State

Website: Museum of History & Industry

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9. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Source: Visit Seattle

Believe it or not, the Burke Museum of National History and Culture was founded by a group of curious teenagers. Burke Museum was established in 1899 and was formerly known as Washington State Museum. There are a variety of exhibitions that you can visit based on your interests, such as the palaeontology, which is about fossils from millions of years ago, or learning more about the diverse cultures and histories. Going here will be an educational yet fun time with your family!

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Address: 4300 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States

Website: Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

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10. Smith Tower

Built in 1914, Smith Tower is currently the first-ever skyscraper in Seattle and is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The building remains an icon in Seattle. Learn more a bit more about Seattle’s history and the challenges they had to face with the advancing technology. When you are at the top, you can have a 360-degree view of Seattle.

Smith Tower

Address: 506 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States

Website: Smith Tower

Price: 20 USD

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A rich history

Come and explore, learn more about America’s history and how it has evolved until this day. Washington certainly has many things to offer to its guests. Be sure to check out these buildings when you have the time!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hi! My name is Sophie and I love ramen.

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