The Artists at Play Plaza, located right next to the Museum of Pop Culture, is an artist-created playground. A 30-foot climbing tower joins an inviting labyrinth with a rebus at its center, a human-powered carousel, child-inspired musical instruments and much more to offer child-friendly fun.

The labyrinth at Artists at Play is a replica of the famous in Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. The original medieval labyrinth holds many secrets. It was most likely constructed in the early 13th century, though its exact creation date remains a mystery, as no documents have yet been found, and little is known about the builders.

Besides Seattle Center, there are more great outdoor replicas of the Chartres in Seattle:

• Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral 1245 10th Avenue East features two :
  • The outdoor offers a view of the twinkling lights of Seattle from the hill.
  • On New Year’s Eve an indoor is placed in the nave, welcoming hundreds of people who walk accompanied by live music.
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 15 Roy Street Centennial Garden Labyrinth provides a quiet space for walking meditation.
• St. Andrews Episcopal Church 111 NE 80th St Fàilte (Gaelic for “Welcome”), invites to walk and reflect.

To find more labyrinths – check the Labyrinth Locator

What is a labyrinth, actually?

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that dates to the Bronze Age when simple 7-circuit designs began showing up in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia in carvings and drawings on clay tablets, stone walls, and coins. 

But it was only in the Middle Ages when labyrinths began appearing in churches across Europe. It was adopted by the church as a substitute for the physical pilgrimage early Christians made to Jerusalem, with the most famous example being in the Cathedral of Chartres in France.