EMP Museum by philstyle is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Museum of Pop Culture or MoPOP is located in Seattle, Washington. Among its archives are the largest collections of Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana memorabilia. This unique building has become a part of Seattle and aims to bring people together through their common connection in pop culture.
Seattle Monorail Emerging from the EMP Museum by Les Williams is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Designed by Frank Gehry the building itself was received with mixed reviews. Likened by critics to a blob, or deceased sea creature, Gehry actually drew upon smashed Fender Stratocaster guitars for inspiration. Another opinion of the building held it in high esteem as the most fitting home for Hendrix’s archives, perhaps due to the shimmering purple finish of one of the structures.
Inside the MoPOP is a concert hall that can hold up to 800, and exhibits on topics such as Rock and Roll, Science Fiction, Fantasy, and video games to name a few. 17 of the museum’s exhibits have toured the US and internationally. The museum also participates in events like the Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival, Seattle Mini Maker Faire, and Pop Conference.
Outside the museum is a large playground for children as well as a variety of interactive music making sculptures. Nearby are the Space Needle and Seattle Center. The monorail actually runs right through the MoPOP!
No matter how you look at it, the MoPOP has certainly anchored itself as a part of Seattle’s culture. Hopefully, its unique collections can bring fulfillment to the museum’s mission and bring people together.
