The draw for me in visiting the EMP Museum in Seattle was definitely seeing my second Frank Gehry designed building up close. It was tremendous. How can you not be totally gobsmacked from looking up at such an amazing piece of architecture?
Other Highlights included:
- Experience hands-on installations that include world building, mapmaking, and a life-sized animatronic dragon in Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic.
- Be a star at On Stage, a virtual concert experience where you’re under the bright lights, in front of screaming fans.
- Watch music performances and light shows in Sky Church, featuring a mammoth HD LED screen. To be able to watch videos from Lorde and Pearl Jam felt like I was truly paying homage in the church of music.
- Explore the spectrum of cinematic horror in Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film.
- Iconic sci-fi artifacts on display include an Imperial Dalek from Doctor Who, the Star Trek command chair, and Neo’s coat from The Matrix Reloaded.
- See the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the Super Bowl Championship Ring in We Are 12™: The Seattle Seahawks and the Road to Victory.
My favourite out of the Special Exhibits Included with CityPASS was the Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses collection.
To be able to view the most extensive exhibition of memorabilia celebrating the music and history of Seattle grunge luminaries, Nirvana was a treat. The exhibit features rare and unseen artifacts and photography from the band, their crews and families.
Kurt’s striped sweater from the ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ video, In Utero memorabilia and Nirvana’s make shift Sup Pop record deal were delights to see up close. It is extensively curated and full of fun and fascinating facts.
But the exhibit is not solely about Nirvana. It also gives a fantastic snapshot of the early days of grunge with nods to the likes of the Screaming Trees, The Melvin’s and Mudhoney.
Advice for Visitors
- Conveniently located at the Seattle Center alongside several other attractions including the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center.
- EMP is easily accessible by many bus routes, or hop on the historic Seattle Center Monorail, which departs every 10 minutes from Westlake Center downtown and from Seattle Center.
- Parking is convenient with a lot adjacent to the museum, and a multi-level covered garage across the street on 5th Avenue.
- Check out Jimi Hendrix performance videos and more all day in JBL Theater.
- Enhance your museum experience by purchasing an Audio Guide at the ticketing desk on your way in.
- Get $5 off purchases of over $35 at EMP stores, plus a free set of limited edition EMP guitar picks; see coupon in booklet.
EMP
325 5th Avenue N.
Seattle, WA 98109
At Seattle Center, near Space Needle
(206) 770-2700
empmuseum.org
Summer (May 24-Sep 2): Open daily, 10am-7pm
Winter (Sep 3-May 23): Open daily 10am-5pm
Seasonal hours may apply; see details.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Thirty Four Flavours 