Explore Friends of Yamasaki

Protecting the Integrity of the Pacific Science Center

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The Pacific Science Center, designed by the renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, stands as a testament to mid-20th century modernist architecture. Its iconic arches and reflecting pools embody Yamasaki’s principles of serenity, surprise, and delight. Preserving this masterpiece is crucial not only for its architectural significance but also for its cultural heritage. The integrity of this landmark must be maintained to honor Yamasaki’s vision and the historical context it represents.

Join us in our mission to preserve and restore Yamasaki’s iconic courtyard and reflecting pools. Learn about the proposed changes and our efforts to preserve the architectural integrity of this historic site.

Our Mission

Friends of Yamasaki Mission: Support the restoration and preservation of Minoru Yamasaki’s original Pacific Science Center design and landmarked features, including its courtyard, pools, arches, and walls. Restore the courtyard, pools, and related infrastructure with compatible high-standard materials and design and promote Yamasaki’s values as this iconic urban public open space evolves.

The Challenge

The Pacific Science Center is facing significant infrastructure challenges that require immediate attention. At a February 2023 briefing by PSC to the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board, it was reported that, for an extensive period, the pools leaked an “average of 71,000 gallons of potable drinking water every single day.” This leakage not only wasted precious City water, but led to flooding on the PSC campus, threatening structural integrity. For these reasons, the north pools were drained and shut down in late 2023.

The entire infrastructure supporting the water features has surpassed its useful life expectancy due to corroded and bursting pipes, failing pumps, and deteriorating filtration and treatment systems, which has posed a risk of catastrophic failure without notice. Additionally, the walking surfaces have serious cracks and do not conform to current ADA standards.

Despite these pressing issues, no independent comprehensive engineering feasibility study has been conducted to assess the full scope and cost of necessary repairs and replacement. Such a study is critical as the first step to secure funding and ensure the preservation of this architectural masterpiece.

What’s more, the Pacific Science Center has proposed to transform Yamasaki’s iconic reflecting pools into meadows and plant-filled spaces. This vision has sparked significant opposition from many who recognize this Seattle landmark and Japanese American heritage treasure as an oasis of serenity within an increasingly dense urban landscape. The concern is that such changes will destroy the design integrity of Yamasaki’s masterpiece.

Community Voices

★★★★★
“The ponds with their reflections and soothing sounds of the fountains are an integral part of the design. They are also a feature that is critical to the public’s love of the experience of visiting the PSC campus. For 11 years I enjoyed the privilege of occupying an office with expansive glass sliding doors opening to the walkways and ponds. I heard the exclamations of joy and witnessed tens or hundreds of thousands of visitors soaking up the beauty and serenity of the environment. As was the case for the United States Science Pavilion, the space provides peace, tranquility and beauty for people as they move from building to building for their science experiences. There is no excuse for destroying that element of this magnificent, beloved historic place.”

Bryce Seidl, MBA

President & CEO, Pacific Science Center, 2003-2014

★★★★★
“Minoru Yamasaki is one of the most influential architects of the 20th century modernist movement. His unique use of materials and design for the Pacific Science Center’s courtyard and pools is a timeless expression of his architectural values of “serenity, surprise, and delight”. As a third generation Japanese American, I feel it’s important to preserve this particular work of Yamasaki in order to memorialize the social and cultural climate that existed at the time. From his humble early years experiencing race prejudice and discrimination to reaching international fame, his story is embraced by the Japanese American community. I strongly advocate nothing short of full restoration of this Seattle treasure.”

Karen Yoshitomi

Executive Director, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington

Minoru Yamasaki

Minoru Yamasaki, born in Seattle in 1912, is celebrated as one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. A 1934 graduate of University of Washington’s Department of Architecture, Yamasaki moved to New York to advance his career and escape the racial prejudice he faced as a Japanese American.
His design for the U.S. Science Pavilion at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, with its serene reflecting pools and graceful arches, exemplifies his philosophy of creating spaces that evoke serenity, surprise, and delight. After the fair closed, the Pavilion acquired new life as Seattle’s Pacific Science Center.
Yamasaki’s striking design so captured the public’s attention that an image of it, together with Yamasaki’s portrait, graced the cover of Time Magazine in January 1963. In 1964, he received the Horatio Alger Award in recognition of his struggle from humble beginnings to worldwide fame. Yamasaki’s work is a significant part of the Japanese American community’s heritage, and his contributions to architecture are internationally recognized.

Architectural Vision

Join Us in Preserving Yamasaki's Vision

We need your support to protect the integrity of Yamasaki’s iconic design at the Pacific Science Center.  Join Friends of Yamasaki in our community outreach efforts and make a difference. There is no cost to join.  Together, we can ensure that this architectural masterpiece remains a symbol of serenity, surprise, and delight for future generations. Click below to support our cause and get involved today!

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