Jun 16, 2025 - Guides

Fish Tales: Courthouse art worth exploring

Christine Clarridge

A photo of the steps leading to a sleek glass building that says "Municipal Court of Seattle." — The Seattle Municipal Court building at 600 Fifth Ave. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Seattle

The Seattle Municipal Court building at 600 Fifth Ave. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Seattle

😆 Looks like most of you must be pretty law-abiding.

We asked last week if anyone recognized these carved poles, and only a few of you got the answer right.

Located on the 11th floor of Seattle Municipal Court, Steve Jensen's carved cedar sculpture "Fish Tales" is part of the city's civic art collection.

It was created to honor "the beauty of the sea and the forest," per the city.

Carved cedar poles with blacked designs overlook the Seattle waterfront. — Now displayed in Seattle Municipal Court, "Fish Tales" features deeply carved patterns stained with oil. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Seattle

The big picture: Sometimes, there's more to see in court than rulings and robes.

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Fish Tales: Courthouse art worth exploring

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