Whether you were a grunge fan or casually kept track of Seattle’s glorious rock scene in the ‘90s, you certainly remember Soundgarden. (Hard to forget “Spoonman” and “Black Hole Sun.” ) But do you know how Soundgarden chose its name?

The band named itself after a wind-channeling pipe sculpture, “A Sound Garden,” located along Lake Washington on NOAA property next to Magnuson Park in Seattle:

(Photo courtesy of NOAA)

This sculpture was created by Doug Hollis in early 1980s. It is built with several metal tubes on what look like 11 weathervanes. On a windy day, “A Sound Garden” catches the blowing air and makes eerie-sounding, dissonant sounds.

Since the 9/11 attacks, the facility, including the public art work, has been on restricted access. Visitors may check in with the guards and walk from a parking area just inside the facility to “A Sound Garden,” a quarter-mile away. You’ll need photo identification (such as a driver’s license or student ID) to enter the NOAA property and view the sculpture. A visitor’s badge must be worn at all times while on the grounds…

NOAA’s main gate is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no weekend access. To get there, take the 45th Avenue exit from I-5 and go east, following the road as it turns into Sand Point Way and heads north. Go past Magnuson Park. The NOAA entrance is just north of the park. At the “NOAA Western Regional Center” sign, turn right onto the campus. 

For more info, call the NOAA site facility manager at (206) 526-6163 or check out NOAA’s Web site here.