Seattle Unveils Statue of Swami Vivekananda

Mayor and Indian Consulate celebrate gift to city's diverse community

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a statue of Swami Vivekananda, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the modern pop art celebration of the statue's unveiling in Seattle.The vibrant unveiling of a new statue honoring the influential Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda celebrates Seattle's diverse cultural heritage.Seattle Today

On Saturday, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson joined representatives from the Indian Consulate to unveil a new statue of Swami Vivekananda in downtown's Westlake Square. The statue is a gift to the city, symbolizing Seattle's multicultural fabric according to the Consulate General.

Why it matters

Swami Vivekananda was an influential Hindu monk and philosopher who helped rejuvenate monasticism in India and advocated for social service. His statue in Seattle represents the city's diversity and commitment to honoring influential figures from different cultures and backgrounds.

The details

The statue of Swami Vivekananda was officially unveiled on April 11, 2026 at the junction of Westlake Avenue, 6th Avenue, and Stewart Street outside the Westin hotel in downtown Seattle. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Wilson and representatives from the Indian Consulate in Seattle.

  • The statue unveiling ceremony took place on April 11, 2026.
  • Swami Vivekananda lived from January 12, 1863 to July 4, 1902.

The players

Mayor Katie Wilson

The mayor of Seattle who attended the statue unveiling ceremony.

Soumith Raju K

The Consulate General of India in Seattle who spoke at the ceremony.

Swami Vivekananda

A Hindu religious teacher, monk, author and philosopher who lived from 1863 to 1902 and gained influence in India for his modern teachings and rejuvenation of monasticism.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a gift to the city of Seattle and symbolically very strong, in resonance to the diversity and multicultural fabric of Seattle.”

— Soumith Raju K, Consulate General of India in Seattle

The takeaway

The unveiling of the Swami Vivekananda statue in downtown Seattle represents the city's commitment to honoring diverse cultural influences and promoting inclusivity within its community.