Museum of Pop Culture - September 11, 2017

You’ve probably noticed the unique and colorful building that sits just below the Seattle Space Needle, but you might not have had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).  
On a trip to Seattle about 15 years ago, we visited the museum, which at that time was called the Experience Music Project.  We love music so we really enjoyed the museum at that time, but with the added exhibits encompassing more of the arts it was really worth visiting again. 
The MoPOP’s mission states that it is “dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture.”  Based on the exhibits available to explore, I’d say that they are reaching that goal.  We visited the museum  with our 21-year-old son  and  although we each had a favorite exhibit, we all really enjoyed our experience at the museum and wish we would have set aside more time to explore.
Current exhibits not to be missed:
Bowie by Mick Rock:  Photographer Mick Rock captures music icon David Bowie’s transformation into the androgynous alien rock star “Ziggy Stardust” (great photos shot in 1972 & 1973) that made him the star he became.  
Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds:  As a new trekkie (truly I only saw my first Star Trek recently and now I’m hooked), this was my personal favorite.  The exhibit features over 100 artifacts and props from all of the Star Trek television series, spin-offs, and films.  Including the command chair and navigation console (first time on display to the public) along with Captain Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and McCoy’s costumes from the original series.  Live long and prosper.
The Jim Henson Exhibition:  This exhibit showcases Jim Hensen’s career (including early days performing with his wife Jane) with more than 20 puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, behind-the-scenes footage, and much more.  It was really great watching the kids perform-ing at the puppet theater at the end of the exhibit.
There are many more exhibits as well as an interactive Sound Lab where you can try out a number of musical instruments individually or with your group.
The MoPOP is located at 325 5th Avenue North in Seattle.  There is paid parking onsite.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Visit https://www.mopop.org/ for more information.

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