The recent sight of Seattle’s iconic Gum Wall stripped of its vibrant layers of chewed gum has left many patrons astounded. Though the wall is occasionally subjected to cleaning, a spokesperson affirmed that it will inevitably regain its sticky charm.
Seattle’s Unique Attraction
Located near Pike Place Market, the Gum Wall stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Over the past three decades, this graffiti-like installation has welcomed visitors from near and far, encouraging them to affix their chewed gum to its surface.
Reports have indicated that certain sections of this quirky landmark have built up inches of gum over the years, transforming it into a deeply entrenched tourist favorite.
Recent Clean-Up Efforts
Earlier this November, the Gum Wall underwent its first thorough cleaning since 2019, utilizing a power washer to remove the accumulated gum from the 50-foot brick surface.
@boosfanpagee “My gum is gone 🥲 #gumwall #seattle”
This cleaning was prompted by concerns of acidic erosion caused by the sugar content in the gum itself. While locals had grown accustomed to the occasional scrubbing, many newcomers were taken aback by the comprehensive removal of the beloved chewed pieces.
Social Media Reaction
The freshly washed wall quickly became a hot topic on TikTok, with videos capturing the shocked reactions of visitors who were disappointed to discover their contributions had vanished. Comments flooded in from heartbroken patrons:
@dan_rosass “The gum wall(s) are gone!!!!! #gumwallseattle #gumwall #touristattraction”
The Origins of the Gum Wall
How did this peculiar installation come to be? The legend dates back to the early ’90s when Unexpected Productions, a local improv theater, was hosting a comedy show. A playful patron stuck a piece of gum to the wall while waiting in line, sparking an ongoing trend.
Madison Bristol, spokesperson for the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority, mentioned that the Gum Wall attracts approximately 15 million visitors annually, with an estimated 180 pieces of gum stuck to each brick. “I like to think of it as an art project,” Bristol stated, highlighting the evolving nature of this unique installation that symbolizes the collective creativity of people from around the globe.
Though cleaning schedules may not be firmly established, Bristol asserts, “like anything else, it just needs a good cleaning now and then.”
Leave a Reply