Behind the Scenes of the Museum of Pop Culture: An Inside Look at Curating Music and Pop Culture Exhibitions

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), formerly known as the Experience Music Project Museum, is a popular museum located in Seattle, Washington, that is dedicated to the celebration and exploration of pop culture, particularly in music, science fiction, and contemporary culture. Since its opening in 2000, MoPOP has been widely recognized for its cutting-edge exhibitions, innovative programming, and immersive experiences that showcase the most influential and iconic aspects of pop culture. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of this world-renowned museum? Here’s an inside look at curating music and pop culture exhibitions.

At the heart of MoPOP’s mission is its commitment to curating exhibitions that are not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking. According to the museum’s Senior Curator, Brooks Peck, “The idea is always to tell a story that people can connect with and learn something from, whether that’s about a particular artist or genre, or a larger cultural phenomenon like the impact of technology on music.”

To accomplish this goal, the museum’s curatorial team spends months, and often years, researching and developing each exhibition to ensure that it tells a cohesive and engaging story. This involves everything from poring over personal archives, researching relevant historical and cultural contexts, and consulting with experts and scholars in the field.

Once the research is complete, the curatorial team then turns its attention to designing and building the exhibition. This involves creating a dynamic and visually appealing display that not only showcases artifacts and memorabilia but also immerses visitors in the world of pop culture. This could range from creating 3D models that simulate a concert experience, developing interactive installations that allow visitors to experiment with different musical instruments, or creating immersive environments that transport visitors to a different time, place, or even planet!

But the work doesn’t end there. In addition to designing and building exhibitions, MoPOP’s curators are also responsible for developing ancillary programming and events that complement and enhance the exhibitions. This could include guided tours, workshops, lectures, film screenings, and even live performances that celebrate and explore the rich cultural history and impact of pop culture.

So the next time you visit the Museum of Pop Culture, take a moment to appreciate the painstaking work that has gone into creating the exhibitions and experiences you enjoy. Behind every artifact, every interactive display, and every immersive environment, there is a team of dedicated curators, designers, and programmers working tirelessly to bring the rich history and impact of pop culture to life.