New Fragrance Library Lends Scents and Sensibility in Georgetown

The Scent Lending Library offers an olfactory experience with over 140 scents to sample and check out.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, a new Scent Lending Library has opened, allowing visitors to explore a collection of over 140 different scents. The library, created by Australian olfactory artist Donna Lipowitz, features a variety of existing fragrances as well as custom-blended scents that visitors can sniff and even check out for two weeks at a time. The cozy, art-filled space aims to replicate the joy of discovering new scents that Lipowitz experienced when she first began studying perfumery.

Why it matters

The Scent Lending Library provides an alternative Valentine's Day experience, offering a unique sensory exploration for both couples and singles looking to experience something new. It also represents a growing trend of immersive, multi-sensory art installations that allow visitors to engage with art through different senses beyond just sight.

The details

The Scent Lending Library is housed in a storefront window at Fogue Gallery on Airport Way South in Georgetown. Visitors can browse the collection of scents, which includes existing fragrances as well as custom-blended scents created by Lipowitz herself. The scents are presented in apothecary bottles, with no labels to allow for personal interpretation. Visitors can check out up to three scents at a time for a two-week period. The space has a communal, library-like feel, with Lipowitz encouraging people to 'sniff what you can' and 'speed-sniff' if it gets crowded on busy weekends.

  • The Scent Lending Library is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., through March 2026.
  • The library will move to a permanent location further inside Fogue Gallery after March 2026.

The players

Donna Lipowitz

An Australian olfactory artist who is the creator and curator of the Scent Lending Library. She began studying perfumery in 2019 and has turned her attention to 'sharing stories in other sensory forms'.

Fogue Gallery

The art gallery in Georgetown, Seattle that is hosting the Scent Lending Library in its storefront window.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever you think it smells like, you're right.”

— Donna Lipowitz, Olfactory Artist (cascadepbs.org)

“But just sniff what you can. You can always speed-sniff.”

— Donna Lipowitz, Olfactory Artist (cascadepbs.org)

What’s next

The Scent Lending Library will move to a permanent location further inside Fogue Gallery after March 2026.

The takeaway

The Scent Lending Library provides a unique, sensory-driven art experience that allows visitors to explore a diverse collection of fragrances and scents in a communal, library-like setting. It represents a growing trend of immersive, multi-sensory art installations that engage the public through senses beyond just sight.