At Seattle Center, near the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture explores music, film, science fiction, fantasy, horror and video games. Frank Gehry’s curving, multicolored building is worth a look before you go inside. The galleries mix memorabilia and original objects with sound, lighting and hands-on activities. Try the Sound Lab, explore the Indie Gaming Room and look for the guitar sculpture assembled from hundreds of instruments. With so many themes to follow, allow several hours if you want time to read and explore.
From the Experience Music Project to MoPOP
The museum opened in 2000 as the Experience Music Project, founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Music was its starting point, with a focus on rock and the musicians who shaped popular culture. Its scope later widened to include subjects such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, films and video games. The institution is now known as the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP.
That broad remit is useful when planning a visit: you do not need to be a music specialist to find a gallery that interests you. The museum treats popular culture as a subject in its own right, bringing together creative work and artifacts from different forms of entertainment.
Frank Gehry’s building
The building was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its curved, reflective exterior uses metal in several colors and textures, and its appearance shifts with the light. Gehry drew inspiration from electric guitars, connecting the architecture to the museum’s musical beginnings.
Take a moment to look at the exterior before entering. Inside, the unusual design continues to shape the museum’s atmosphere, with galleries that use color, lighting and sound to set apart different subjects. The structure is one of the museum’s most recognizable parts, but the collections inside range far beyond music.
Music, film and genre collections
Music remains a major thread. Collections include material connected to Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from other musicians. Seattle’s own musical history has a strong presence, including its grunge scene. The museum also covers a wide range of American popular music, from rock and roll to hip-hop and other genres.
Elsewhere, the subject matter shifts to science fiction, fantasy, horror, movies and games. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame recognizes notable figures in those genres, while exhibits across the museum bring together objects such as instruments, costumes and film memorabilia. Displays can change, so check the museum’s website if you have a particular exhibition in mind.
Interactive exhibits and planning your visit
Some galleries invite you to take part rather than only look. At the Sound Lab, you can try making music, and the Indie Gaming Room focuses on video games. These hands-on areas add a different pace to galleries built around objects and interpretation, and can be a good fit for families with children interested in music or gaming.
Give yourself several hours if you want to explore multiple subjects and spend time with the exhibits. The museum recommends getting tickets in advance; online purchases are described as less expensive than buying at the counter. Paid parking is available nearby, though public transportation such as buses or the monorail is another option. The museum also has a cafe, theater, restrooms, coat check and gift shop.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Museum of Pop Culture?
Allow several hours if you want to explore different galleries and spend time with the interactive exhibits.
What can you see at the Museum of Pop Culture?
Exhibits cover music, film, science fiction, fantasy, horror and video games, with collections including music memorabilia, instruments and costumes.
Does the Museum of Pop Culture have interactive exhibits?
Yes. The Sound Lab and Indie Gaming Room include hands-on activities.
Should I buy Museum of Pop Culture tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended. Online tickets are indicated as less expensive than buying at the counter.
How can I get to the Museum of Pop Culture?
The museum is at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. Buses and the monorail are transportation options; paid parking is also available.
