fbpx Skip to content
Seattle Architecture Foundation Logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Exhibits
  • Join & Support
  • Programs & Learning
  • Tours
  • Contact
  • 1-206-667-9184
  • Calendar
  • 206-667-9184
  • Donate
  • info@seattlearchitecture.org
Seattle Architecture Foundation Logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Exhibits
  • Join & Support
  • Programs & Learning
  • Tours
  • Contact

FAQs

  • Tours
  • Downtown Tours
  • Community Tours
  • FAQs
Who benefits from the tour ticket price? Expand

All tour ticket purchases directly support our free and low-cost educational programs for youth and families. SAF offers 50+ full scholarships per year.

How often are tours scheduled? Expand

We offer tours year-round on Saturdays and private tours are always available if you can’t find a tour that meets your schedule.  An expanded Spring-Summer schedule includes tours on Thursday - Sunday, except major holidays.  The calendar on our website will always have the most updated information. Email info@seattlearchitecture.org for more information.

Do you do tours in the rain? Expand

All tours are conducted rain or shine. In the rare event of extremely adverse weather (wind, heat, snow or ice) SAF will cancel a tour to protect guest safety. (See “What’s your exchange/refund policy” below.)

In the event of a weather-related cancellation we will send an email notification to all registered guests.

How strenuous are the tours? Expand

Tours are approximately 2 hours length and guests should be comfortable walking 2-3 miles at a moderate pace. While we aim to make our tours accessible to the extent possible, most routes involve hills, stairs, escalators and elevators. Tour participants are responsible for their own personal safety and SAF is not responsible for construction, demolition and road repair conditions which might alter tour routes. We are also not responsible for buildings, property managers and homeowners who are not ADA compliant. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

If you have concerns about hills or stairs, please let us know in advance of your tour (206-667-9184) and we will make every effort to suggest appropriate tours or provide alternative routes whenever possible.

Who guides the tours? Expand

SAF Tour Guides are volunteers who receive extensive training in architectural styles, Seattle history and more. Some of them are design professionals (architects, landscape architects, interiors designers, etc.) while others are community volunteers from all walks of life. Guides are scheduled by their availability and there is no guarantee that a certain guide will be leading a specific tour on any given date.

Can I bring my kids along? Expand

Except for our Youth and Family Tours, SAF tours are not recommended for children under twelve.

Can I bring my pet along? Expand

For a number of safety reasons we only permit service animals on our tours.

Will you give me a map of the tour? Expand

SAF tour scripts and maps are for SAF programming only; we do not generally provide copies of these materials to guests. On occasion, we offer special event tours which are self-guided; you will receive those maps and other materials at the start of the tour.

Can I take photos on the tour? Expand

Photography is generally allowed on our tours, however  rules vary by location and your guide will let you know if there are public buildings where photography is not allowed. 

 

How do I buy tickets? Expand

This website links directly to Bold Type Tickets, the official SAF ticket agent. You can buy tickets 24/7, through our website or online. Bold Type Tickets has a customer support line that is available at: (888) 377-4510. Service fees apply.

 

Can I buy my ticket on the day of the tour? Expand

Advance purchase is highly recommended; spaces are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and our tours frequently sell out. An advance purchase discount is offered on all tours. We do not maintain waiting lists for sold out tours. For day-of ticket purchases for tours which begin off-site, exact change, in cash, is required.

What’s your exchange/refund policy? Expand

Should you be unable to attend your tour, you can exchange or refund your tickets up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. Call the service center at Bold Type Tickets at (888) 377-4510 or e-mail support@boldtypetickets.com with your confirmation code.

In the event SAF cancels a tour due to circumstances other than inclement weather, the full ticket price of your tour will be refunded and you will also receive a complimentary reservation to an additional tour of your choice. SAF will endeavor to notify all guests in advance of these cancellations.

space-needle

Downtown Tours

city

Community Tours

Photo of SAF website on a mobile device

On The-Go-Tours Via Our Mobile App

Building on the popularity of SAF’s signature tours and award-winning guidebook, our mobile tour app features immersive maps and informative pages highlighting buildings, architects and history from Seattle’s early days to present. The initial version features 200+ sites throughout downtown (additional neighborhoods will be added over time).

The Seattle Architecture Foundation App is available for free download:  Apple App Store / Google Play / Start exploring today!

The Seattle Architecture Foundation App is available for free download:  Apple App Store / Google Play / Start exploring today!

Address

Center for Architecture and Design
1010 Western Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

Search

Contact

206.667.9184
info@seattlearchitecture.org

Follow us

SAF YouTube Channel

Sign up for our newsletter!

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe!

Thanks for subscribing!

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

© 2023 Seattle Architecture Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use/Privacy · Photo Credits · Site by WebCami

Scroll To Top