The 20th Century Society USA is organizing a tour of Seattle, Washington October 15-20, 2024, to explore Art Deco and 20th Century Design.
Tuesday October 15:
6:30 pm Welcome Dinner at the Sound Hotel
Board public transportation for a walking tour of Downtown Seattle:
William Kenzo Nakamura United States Courthouse (1940)
Late Art Deco stripped classicism.
Plymouth Church (1967)
Narrow windows fill the round Mid-Century sanctuary with streams of light.
Washington Athletic Club (1930)
Art Deco tower for a private club.
Fifth Avenue Theater (1926)
Lavish interior with Chinese inspired design.
Friday October 18
Board public transportation to:
Olympic Sculpture Park (2007)
Outdoor Park along the waterfront with monumental art works; part of the Seattle Art Museum.
1411 Fourth Avenue Building (1928)
Art Deco tower with an attractive wood paneled lobby.
Pike Place Market (1907)
Originally a farmer’s market, the “Soul of Seattle” now includes fishermen, craftspeople, specialty stores, restaurants, and buskers. Plan about 3 hours to have lunch on your own and wander at your leisure.
Exchange Building (1930)
23-story Art Deco tower originally designed for the Seattle Stock Exchange. Beautiful Art Deco lobby.
Federal Building (1933)
Stepped red brick Art Deco structure topped with glazed white terra cotta ornament to resemble snowcapped mountains.
Arctic Club (1914)
Originally a private club for wealthy veterans of the Klondike Gold Rush. Fantastic polychrome walrus head terra cotta sculptures on the exterior. Converted to a hotel in 2008. We’ll stop in the famous Polar Bar for drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Saturday October 19
We’ll hire a chartered bus today since the venues are far apart.
United States Marine Hospital (1933)
Built outside the city center as a 16-story tower to ensure ample sunlight and expansive views for the patients. Characterized by Art Deco ornament and horizontal incised lines reflecting Streamline Moderne influences. Surrounding smaller buildings also in a similar style.
Saint Joseph Parish (1930)
Art Deco church constructed of reinforced concrete with nods to Romanesque and Gothic styles. Lovely stained glass in saturated tones of blue.
Lunch
Mount Baker Neighborhood (1905)
We’ll spend time exploring this area in southeast Seattle that borders on Lake Washington, a verdant upscale neighborhood of beautiful homes—many Arts & Crafts styles-- and grand views of the Cascade Mountains.
The main tour concludes on Saturday evening.
OPTIONAL TOUR ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 20
Originally, we planned to go to Port Townsend, WA to see the Art Deco Lighting Museum, among other things. But the museum is closed because of staffing issues. So, we have an alternative adventure planned.
We’ll travel in passenger vans to see Snoqualmie Falls, a 270 ft (82 m) waterfall about 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Seattle. There are viewing areas at the top and bottom of the falls. Then we’ll visit the old Snoqualmie Train Depot, and Northwest Railway Museum. Lunch is included. Plan to return to the hotel by 5:30 pm.
REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE MAIN EVENT IS $975.
But you can save $150 off the registration fee if you’re a member of an affiliated organization AND register by August 31, 2024.
The fee includes the welcome dinner, all walking tours, museum fees, transportation, and a daily meal (usually lunch.). We’ll save A LOT of money--$1000 per person—by using Seattle’s pretty good public transportation network Wed-Fri.
The registration fee does not include hotel room, other meals, alcoholic beverages if desired, and your transportation to and from Seattle.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Save $75 off the registration fee by registering by August 31, 2024.
MEMBER AND ORGANIZATION DISCOUNT
You can save another $75 off the registration fee if you’re a 20th Century Society USA member, member of another Art Deco or Modernism society (includes International Coalition of Art Deco Societies,) or member of another affiliated or authorized group.
20th Century Society members: use code 20THCS.
Check with your organization for their discount code or contact Mick Beyer for assistance with discount codes.
REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE OPTIONAL SUNDAY TOUR IS $125.
Includes transportation to and from the hotel via passenger van, lunch, and museum fees.
HOST HOTEL
The Sound Hotel (as in Puget Sound, but it also has a musical theme) is in the residential Belltown neighborhood just northwest of Downtown. It’s a member of the Hilton Tapestry Collection, so it has a unique style and breaks free of the cookie-cutter hotel room. The rooms are larger than average and have a “residential feel” because above the hotel are condominiums. There is a very nice 7th floor outdoor terrace that overlooks the city. The Sound Hotel usually ranks among the top 10 hotels in Seattle based upon guest satisfaction.
We’ve arranged a special rate of $249/night if you book before September 1, 2024. After that date the prevailing room rates will apply. The special rate should be available two days before and two days after the scheduled tour dates for those planning to arrive in Seattle early or wish to stay later.
Cancel on or before July 31, 2024: 100% refund
Cancel on or before August 31, 2024: 50% refund
Cancel after September 1, 2024: no refunds
Main Program fee: $975
Early Bird discount if registered before August 31, 2024: less $75
Membership or Organization Discount: less $75
Sunday Snoqualmie Falls Tour $125
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