Tsutakawa Gates Replacement Project
“Outdoor and public sculpture … for the public … for the people. I think it’s very important that you design something which is appropriate to the scale, and to the environment, and to the wishes of the people. These ideas seem to be captured in bronze.”
—George Tsutakawa
Recreating the Arboretum’s iconic bronze entry gates
From 1976 to 2020, the Memorial Gates graced the north entry to the Washington Park Arboretum. Commissioned by the Arboretum Foundation, they were created by the artist George Tsutakawa (1910–1997) to commemorate all those who have loved and supported the Arboretum.
On March 19, 2020—just two days after the COVID-related closure of the Arboretum’s Visitors Center—the Memorial Gates were stolen. The news was greeted with frustration and sadness by the many who appreciated the gates’ unique artistry and representation of place.
Shortly after the theft, a number of individuals contacted us to offer their support. We also met with the Tsutakawa family to discuss an effort to replace the Gates. We feel very fortunate to have Gerard Tsutakawa, who fabricated the original gates for his father, involved in the project.
For almost 45 years, the Memorial Gates greeted generations of visitors to the Arboretum, providing a powerful connection between art and nature. Their absence reflects the loss many of us have felt this past year and a half. Replacing the gates will reflect the power and joy of the resilience we have also witnessed.
Photo: Gerry Tsutakawa using a model to help with siting of the new gates.
Fundraising Campaign: Working with the Tsutakawa family, we set an initial goal of $150,000 to cover the cost of materials, fabrication, project management, site preparation, and gate installation. In August 2021, thanks to many generous donors, we surpassed our goal! With donations received and pledges incoming, we have commitments of just over $160,000! The funding includes $28,000 from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture and a grant of $7,500 from King County’s 4 Culture. We also received an additional $20,000 as part of our lead gift to be specifically set aside for future maintenance and upkeep of the Gates.
Thank you: To everyone who contributed to the campaign! Gate fabrication took place in the spring and summer of 2022. Installation of the new gates took place in late summer 2022. A public celebration was held at the Graham Visitors Center on September 14, 2022.
Recent photo of the original Memorial Gates prior to the theft and vandalism.
Project Timeline
- Summer 2021: Secure remaining project funds; identify preferred fabricator and sources for materials.
- Spring 2022: Commence fabrication of new gates; determine installation plan.
- Summer 2022: Install new gates; community celebration.
Learn About George Tsutakawa
George Tsutakawa’s legacy runs deep in the fabric of the Pacific Northwest. His work is recognized as a unique merging of Japanese and Puget Sound aesthetic traditions into a unified expression. He and his family have made invaluable contributions over the years to the cultural life of our region. Learn more at the links below:
Photo: George Tsutakawa next to the Memorial Gates in 1976 (courtesy Josef Scaylea/The Seattle Times).
Gerard Tsutakawa at the Memorial Gates in 1976. Gerard fabricated the original gates for his father and will oversee the creation of the replacement gates.
Related Links
- Tsutakawa Memorial Gates Public Celebration: Wednesday, September 14
- Tsutakawa Memorial Gates disappear from Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum on March 18, 2020. Historylink, September 15, 2022.
- Stolen and Scrapped: Seattle’s Arboretum gates are back, by Brangien Davis, Crosscut, September 8, 2022
- Stolen Beauty: Theft, Destruction, and Replacement of Tsutakawa’s Sculptural Gates, by Mayumi Tsutukawa, UW Magazine, June 2022.
- Bronze gates by renowned artist George Tsutakawa stolen from Washington Park Arboretum, The Seattle Times, March 19, 2020.
- Bronze gates made by George Tsutakawa stolen, Northwest Asia Weekly, March 26, 2020.
- Detectives recover stolen Ttutakawa memorial gates, SPD Blotter, March 27, 2020.
- The Memorial Gates: A Symbol of Endurance, by Rosamond P. Engle, Arboretum Bulletin, Winter 1976.
- Campaign to replace the Tsutakawa Gates surpasses its goal, Arboretum Foundation News Blog, August 11, 2020.
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