Joni Earl Great Hall at Union Station Reopens to the Public

Sound Transit today announced the reopening of the Joni Earl Great Hall at Union Station to the public effective today, June 27. The hall, which has been closed since the start of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, will be open to the public on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

"The Joni Earl Great Hall stands as an iconic cornerstone of Seattle’s public spaces," said King County Executive and Sound Transit Board Chair. "Thanks to the dedication of Sound Transit facilities and security staff, the public will once again be able to experience the architecture and historical significance of this iconic hall."

"The Joni Earl Great Hall at Union Station is one of Seattle’s most historic and iconic spaces, and I am glad to see it once again open to the public," said Seattle Mayor and Sound Transit Board Member Bruce Harrell. "As our city's transit ridership to the downtown core continues to rebound and we look forward to major events like the FIFA World Cup, the Great Hall can serve as a welcoming community hub, a space for activations, and an important asset for our residents with restrooms and refuge from the elements."

"The pandemic interrupted the public’s enjoyment of this incredible space," said Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman. "Ensuring that the Joni Hall Great Hall will be safe and clean once it was reopened to the public was our top priority. Now that we have increased our security and facilities staff, we are confident that we can do so."

This year marks the silver anniversary of Sound Transit restoration of Union Station as the agency headquarters. For 60 years following Union Station's 1911 opening, the Great Hall's majestic, barrel-vaulted ceiling and 460 shining lights helped make it one of downtown Seattle's most famous public spaces.

Union Station was closed for more than two decades before Sound Transit undertook the effort to convert it to offices and restore the Great Hall to its former glory. The Sound Transit Board renamed the Great Hall in 2017 as a tribute to former Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl.

Photos of the Joni Earl Great Hall are available upon request.