Seattle Sights

Shopping Nightlife Performing Arts Sports and Activities

1. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

What started as the Experience Music Project first expanded to include science fiction and fantasy, then took on all of pop culture. The 140,000-square-foot complex is a controversial architectural statement; architect Frank Gehry drew inspiration from electric guitars to achieve the building's curvy metallic design. It's a fitting backdrop for rock memorabilia from the likes of Bob Dylan and the grunge-scene heavies. The 35-foot tower of guitars (and other instruments) traces the instrument's history in America and includes 20 guitars from music legends. A permanent exhibit provides a primer on the evolution of Seattle's music scene. Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses features rare and unseen artifacts and photography from the band, their crews, and families. The interactive space has 12 ministudio rooms where you can jam with friends on real or MIDI-compatible instruments. You can also channel your inner rock star in front of a virtual audience in the On Stage exhibit, complete with smoke, hot lights, and screaming fans. In the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame and related exhibits, you'll find iconic artifacts from sci-fi literature, film, television, and art, including an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who, the command chair from the classic television series Star Trek, and Neo's coat from The Matrix Reloaded.