Ten Best Things to See at the Museum of Pop Culture

The ten best things to see at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle include exhibits on local musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

The Exterior of Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle is a vibrant celebration of music, science fiction, gaming, and pop culture.

Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, the museum features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive experiences that appeal to fans of all ages.

The Exterior of Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Whether you're a music lover, a sci-fi enthusiast, or a video game fanatic, MoPOP offers something unforgettable.

Here are the ten best things to see at MoPOP, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of pop culture.

Ten Best Things to See at the Museum of Pop Culture

1. The Jimi Hendrix Exhibit

The Jimi Hendrix Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Whatever you do, don’t miss the Jimi Hendrix Exhibit, dedicated to Seattle’s most legendary guitarist. Jimi Hendrix revolutionized rock music with his innovative techniques, and this exhibit showcases his life, career, and enduring influence.

The exhibit features original guitars, handwritten lyrics, stage costumes, and rare concert footage. One of the highlights is Hendrix’s 1968 Fender Stratocaster, which he famously played at Woodstock. Interactive stations allow visitors to experiment with guitar effects, offering a hands-on understanding of his groundbreaking sound.

Hendrix’s impact on music is undeniable, and this exhibit provides an intimate look at his creative genius. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to his music, the Jimi Hendrix Exhibit is a must-see.

2. Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses

The Nirvana Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Seattle is the birthplace of grunge, and Nirvana is its most iconic band. The Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses exhibit chronicles the band’s rise from underground clubs to global fame.

Visitors can see Kurt Cobain’s handwritten lyrics, original instruments, concert posters, and personal memorabilia. One standout piece is the “Fecal Matter” demo tape, an early recording that foreshadowed Nirvana’s raw sound. The exhibit also explores the cultural impact of grunge, featuring interviews with band members and key figures in the Seattle music scene.

For fans of 90s music, this exhibit is a nostalgic journey into the era that defined a generation.

3. Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic

The Fantasy Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Fantasy lovers will be enthralled by the Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic exhibit, which explores the rich history of fantasy literature and its influence on pop culture.

The exhibit features props, costumes, and artifacts from iconic franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and The Dark Crystal. Visitors can see Aragorn’s sword from The Lord of the Rings, Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon eggs from Game of Thrones, and rare first-edition fantasy novels.

Interactive displays allow guests to design their own mythical creatures or test their knowledge in a fantasy trivia challenge. This exhibit is a dream come true for fans of epic tales and magical worlds.

4. Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame honors the greatest creators in these genres, from authors like H.P. Lovecraft to filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro.

The exhibit features original props, costumes, and concept art from legendary films and TV shows, including:

- The Xenomorph from Alien
- The Terminator’s endoskeleton
- Creatures from Pan’s Labyrinth

Interactive elements let visitors create their own sci-fi stories or experience a virtual horror scenario. This exhibit is a thrilling dive into the worlds of futuristic technology and spine-chilling terror.

5. Indie Game Revolution

The Indie Game Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Gamers will love Indie Game Revolution, an exhibit celebrating the creativity and innovation of independent video game developers.

Visitors can play groundbreaking indie games like:

- Celeste
- Hollow Knight
- Untitled Goose Game

The exhibit also explores the design process behind these games, featuring interviews with developers and concept sketches. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this exhibit showcases the artistic depth of indie gaming.

6. Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction

The Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction Exhibit at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction is a treasure trove for sci-fi fans, featuring iconic props and costumes from Star Trek, Blade Runner, Doctor Who, and more.

Highlights include:

- Spock’s uniform from Star Trek
- Deckard’s coat from Blade Runner
- A Dalek from Doctor Who

The exhibit also explores how sci-fi predicts and influences real-world technology, making it a fascinating experience for futurists and film buffs alike.

7. Guitar Gallery: The Quest for Volume

The Guitar Gallery at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Guitar Gallery, which showcases rare and historic guitars from legends like Eddie Van Halen, Kurt Cobain, and Jerry Garcia.

Visitors can listen to recordings of famous riffs and learn about the evolution of electric guitar design. The exhibit highlights how these instruments shaped music history.

Our Pick of the Guides

8. Minecraft: The Exhibition

For fans of the block-building phenomenon, Minecraft: The Exhibition offers an interactive look at the game’s creative possibilities.

Visitors can:

- Build structures in a life-sized Minecraft world
- Learn about the game’s development
- Explore fan-created mods

This exhibit is perfect for families and gamers of all ages.

9. Pearl Jam: Home and Away

Another tribute to Seattle’s grunge scene, Pearl Jam: Home and Away explores the band’s history through concert footage, stage props, and personal items.

Fans can see Eddie Vedder’s lyric notebooks and rare tour memorabilia, making this a must-visit for Pearl Jam enthusiasts.

10. Sound Lab

The Sound Lab at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture

The Sound Lab is MoPOP’s most interactive exhibit, allowing visitors to play instruments, mix tracks, and experiment with sound.

Whether you’re a musician or just curious, the Sound Lab offers a fun, hands-on way to engage with music creation.

More Information

For opening hours and other information visit the website of the Museum of Pop Culture.

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