Exploring the Best Pop Culture Exhibits at Seattle’s Museums

Seattle is a hub for pop culture enthusiasts, with its rich music and film history and active arts scene. The city boasts some of the best museums that celebrate pop culture, offering visitors a chance to explore and engage with history, music and cinema. In this article, we will delve into some of the best pop culture exhibits that Seattle’s museums have to offer, including their distinct themes and objectives.

Experience the Art of Music at MoPOP

Previously known as the EMP Museum, Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, is a must-visit for any music lover. The museum was founded by Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, with the vision of celebrating music, science fiction, and pop culture. The museum’s architecture with its shimmering, colorful, and curvaceous design is a perfect representation of the innovative and modern music it pays homage to.

MoPOP’s rock and roll exhibit takes visitors on a thrilling journey through music history. The exhibit beautifully showcases iconic outfits worn by legendary musicians from Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain to Lady Gaga. The guitar collection displayed at the exhibit is breathtaking, with some guitars worth more than a million dollars. MoPOP’s sound lab exhibit that lets visitors create and enjoy music in a fully-equipped recording studio is a unique experience that warrants a visit.

Discover the World of Animation at the Museum of History and Industry

The Seattle Museum of History and Industry, or MOHAI, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of animation. MOHAI’s exhibit “Seattle on the Spot: The Photographs of Al Smith” showcased a vast collection of stunning photographs of life in the city, including the Halas and Batchelor animation studios that operated in the 1950s.

The museum’s exhibit “Boeing in Seattle” provides insights into the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer. Visitors can witness the evolution of aviation with a vast collection of historic planes, from the 1917 Boeing C-1, the first plane made by the company, to the latest, the 787 Dreamliner.

Experience the Magic of Cinema at the Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, is home to a rich collection of art and artifacts from different cultures. SAM’s famous exhibit “Live On: Mr. Lucky Beads,” showcases artist Dale Chihuly’s glass collection, which includes intricate and detailed glasswork that visitors can marvel at.

SAM’s exhibit on the art of cinema, the “Movie Monsters: The Impact of Monsters on the Art of Film,” features iconic horror and fantasy movie characters, including favorites like Dracula and Frankenstein. The exhibit lets visitors explore the process of creating movie monsters and their impact on the art world.

Conclusion

Seattle’s museums offer visitors a chance to explore and engage with history, music, animation, and cinema. Whether you’re a fan of music, cinema, or just curious about the world of pop culture, Seattle’s museums have something to offer. MoPOP’s rock and roll exhibit, MOHAI’s animation exhibit, and SAM’s movie monsters exhibit are just some of the highlights.
So pack your bags and explore the world of pop culture at Seattle’s museums!