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Museum · Seattle, Washington State
Museum of Pop Culture
Museum of music, film and popular culture in the colorful metal building designed by Frank Gehry, with the world’s largest collection of Jimi Hendrix artifacts, rooms for playing instruments and science-fiction exhibitions.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) opened in 2000 as the Experience Music Project, created by Paul Allen, Microsoft’s cofounder. The building, designed by architect Frank Gehry, has curved metal walls in varying colors that recall a shattered guitar. The monorail passes through the building on its way to the Space Needle.
The collection began with Seattle music. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Jimi Hendrix items — he was born in the city — including guitars, handwritten lyrics and photos. Exhibitions about the music scenes of the 1980s and 1990s, featuring bands that emerged from Seattle, occupy another part of the building.
Over time, the museum broadened its scope to include film, games and science fiction, with costumes, props and temporary exhibitions. In the Sound Lab, visitors can play guitar, drums and keyboard in booths, and in On Stage you can step onto a stage in front of a virtual audience.
The main hall, Sky Church, has one of the largest indoor LED screens in the world, where concert videos are shown and live events take place.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours for the exhibitions and interactive rooms.
Best time
Right at opening, to use the Sound Lab booths without queues. On rainy days and weekends the museum tends to be busier.
How to get there
At Seattle Center, a few steps from the tower. The monorail from Westlake Center passes through the building. Admission is paid; prices are on the museum’s website.
Tip
Allow time for the Sound Lab, where real instruments are played. Also see the building from the outside along the monorail route: its shape changes with the viewing angle.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museum of Pop Culture
What is in the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)?
Exhibitions about Seattle music and Jimi Hendrix, cinema, games and science fiction, plus rooms where you can play instruments.
Who designed the MoPOP building?
Architect Frank Gehry. The colorful metal building opened in 2000 under the name Experience Music Project.
Is MoPOP suitable for children?
Yes. The interactive rooms, where visitors can play instruments, and the film and games exhibits usually appeal to children and teens.