Waiting for the Interurban / Late for the Interurban, Seattle

In Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, 'Waiting for the Interurban' is not a statement, poem, play or novel but a unique, realistic sculpture collection in cast aluminum. Installed in 1979 and designed and executed by resident Seattle sculptor, Richard Beyer, the work of art depicts six people and a dog waiting for the interurban public transport to come their way.

Stop and walk up to the figures, because only then can you see the subtleties. Make sure to look on the face of the dog – yes, there is a story there, said to have been inspired by municipal recycling activist and honorary mayor of Fremont, Armen Napoleon Stepanian, who happened to have made disparaging remarks about the statue.

Fremont is home to an artistic community and over the years both 'Waiting for the Interurban' and 'Late for the Interurban' – which are down the street from each other – have been dressed to make political and artistic statements, sometimes even managing to deceive visitors into believing that a group of real people is waiting for a trolley ride (back in time). The right to decorate – with anything from brightly-colored umbrellas to various signs congratulating newlyweds – is open to all as long as no commercial purpose is pursued and with a clean-up stipulation after the display is complete.

Why You Should Visit:
Seattle's most popular piece of public art!