Attraction
Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle at Seattle Center has an observation level at 520 feet and The Loupe, a revolving glass floor.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Housed in a Frank Gehry building at Seattle Center, MoPOP covers music, film, science fiction and games, with a large Jimi Hendrix collection.
At a glance
- Type
- Music and pop culture museum
- Area
- Seattle Center, Seattle, United States
- Opening
- Open daily · 10:00–17:00
- Official site
- mopop.org
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair loans
- Sensory bags
- Café
- Same-day re-entry
Why we recommend it
The Museum of Pop Culture was founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen as the Experience Music Project, and it took its current name in November 2016. The building at Seattle Center was designed by Frank Gehry, with curving sheet-metal forms, and the Seattle Center Monorail passes straight through it. Inside there are about 140,000 square feet of exhibitions.
The museum's subject is popular culture in a broad sense: music first, but also film, television, science fiction, fantasy and video games. One of the best-known pieces is IF VI WAS IX, a tower-like sculpture made from more than 500 musical instruments, developed by the artist Trimpin. The museum also holds a large collection of objects related to the guitarist Jimi Hendrix, and its main hall, the Sky Church, is named in his honour and has a huge LED screen. Exhibitions change regularly; the current programme includes Massive: The Power of Pop Culture.
MoPOP is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The museum strongly recommends reserving tickets in advance, and entry is first come, first served on the day. Washington residents get a discount with ID, the museum is part of Seattle CityPASS, and you can re-enter on the same day if you keep your ticket. Plan for at least a few hours, especially if you like to read and watch everything.
The building is wheelchair accessible, with six lifts and automatic doors at the entrances, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the West Entrance ticket desk. Noise-cancelling headphones and sensory bags are also available, and there are sensory rating sheets for each exhibition. All video is captioned. Note that metal detectors are used at all entrances, flash photography, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed, and umbrellas cannot be taken into galleries. Outside food is not permitted, but the Culture Kitchen café serves meals and drinks.
MoPOP works well for teenagers, music fans and anyone with an interest in film and games, and it is a good choice on a rainy afternoon. The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass are just across the Seattle Center grounds, and the monorail runs from Westlake Center downtown. General questions can be sent to the museum by email.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) FAQs
When is MoPOP open?
The museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
Should you book tickets in advance?
Yes. The museum strongly recommends reserving tickets in advance.
How long should you allow?
Plan for at least a few hours, as there are about 140,000 square feet of exhibitions.
Who designed the building?
The building was designed by Frank Gehry, and the Seattle Center Monorail runs through it.
Is MoPOP wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are six lifts and automatic entrance doors, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the West Entrance ticket desk.
Can you leave and come back?
Yes. Keep your receipt or digital ticket for re-entry on the same day.
Is there food at the museum?
Yes. The Culture Kitchen serves meals and drinks, but outside food is not allowed.
Are there security checks?
Yes. Walk-through metal detectors are used at all entrances.
Is it included in CityPASS?
Yes. Seattle CityPASS includes MoPOP.