EMP is a leading-edge nonprofit
museum, dedicated to the ideas
and risk-taking that fuel
contemporary popular culture
At The Museum
Featuring mesmerizing exhibits, interactive installations, oral histories, and a wealth of learning opportunities.
Featured Exhibitions
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World of WearableArt
The World of WearableArt™ is New Zealand’s largest arts show. Each year, it creates a new theatrical world in which incredible garments are brought to life. Over 50,000 show-goers attend annually from around the world to witness this stunning spectacular of dance, theatre, music, and art. The garments on stage are the award-contending designs selected from worldwide entries in the annual World of WearableArt™ Awards competition, which poses the … more
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Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds
Fifty years after a show with modest ratings called Star Trek first aired, its stories continue to echo worldwide. Its famous opening line, “To boldly go where no one has gone before…” encapsulates the heart of this iconic series: the dare to hope for a better world. As part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds presents the phenomenon, its enduring impact on our culture, and how Star Trek has inspired… more
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Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad, 1966-1970
At the height of his fame, Jimi Hendrix performed more than 500 times in 15 countries and recorded 130 songs in 16 studios. He was a musical nomad, his life an endless series of venues, recording sessions, flights, and hotels. From his arrival in London to his untimely death on September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix was rarely in one place for more than a month. Wild Blue Angel: Hendrix Abroad, 1966-1970 offers a contemplative look at the period of He… more
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Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction
Step inside a gigantic, mysterious alien spacecraft. Within, it contains a treasure trove of objects, images, and information from hundreds, possibly thousands of other worlds from the farthest reaches of the universe. Now this fully-automated ship—a traveler, documenter, and collector of artifacts—has come to Earth and invited us to come aboard. Packed with more than 150 artifacts from iconic films and television shows, Infinite Worlds of Scien… more
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Indie Game Revolution
Learn how a new breed of gamers are leaving their mark on gaming history at EMP’s Indie Game Revolution. Featuring the stories of more than forty independent video game developers, designers, coders, composers, and critics, EMP presents a dynamic, immersive space inviting you to witness the present and future of gaming as it unfolds. Press your finger to the pulse of a revolution with a playable look into twenty rotating titles from around the w… more
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Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic
From The Wizard of Oz and The Princess Bride to Harry Potter, Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic invites audiences on a fantastical journey to unearth the inspiration behind this genre’s most magnificent creations. Pet a dragon designed by Seattle Opera, view an original manuscript page from Game of Thrones, and revel in hands-on installations that include world building and mapmaking. See the Wicked Witch of the West’s hat from The Wizard of Oz,… more
EMP Building
EMP is housed in a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry designed building.
Programs + Education
EMP seeks to inspire all of our audiences by providing unique and engaging resources and experiences.
Pop culture is an ongoing celebration of all of us. Through music, film, fashion, video games, or whatever sparks our interest, we identify and express ourselves through various forms of pop culture. It’s a platform that allows us to build communities; discover new artistic outlets; and gives us a means to thrive.
EMP offers a multitude of community and educational programs for audiences of all ages and pop culture interests. From the region’s premier youth band competition and the acclaimed Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival, to arts camps, mentorship programs, teacher development, and Seattle Mini Maker Faire which brings together our vibrant community of innovators—EMP is a place for discovery, inspiration, and learning.
Featured Programs + Events
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Seattle Mini Maker Faire
Try out the latest, greatest inventions by more than 100 makers from across the region at a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness—and a celebration of the maker movement. Now in its fifth year, the Seattle Mini Maker Faire offers tech enthusiasts, crafters, homesteaders, scientists, garage tinkerers, and commercial makers of all ages and backgrounds a platform to share their passion projects with the public. The event features exhibits, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and talks that blend art, engineering, science, and technology. more
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Sound Off!
An annual event since 2001, EMP’s Sound Off! supports the all-ages scene by giving artists an opportunity to showcase original music, launch their music careers, and connect with the larger artistic community. Now in its 16th year, Sound Off! has paved the way for some amazing bands and artists including The Lonely Forest, Dyme Def, Sol, Kithkin, Schoolyard Heroes, Tomten, and Brite Futures. Participants receive prizes such as radio airplay, studio recording time, gear, and more. more
Community Access Program
EMP’s Community Access program enables individuals experiencing financial, physical, or social barriers to visit the museum. The museum serves regional residents by opening its doors to all who might benefit from EMP’s rich educational and cultural resources. more
Camps + Workshops
Teen Artist Workshops and Creativity Camps for Kids provide hands-on, expert-led instruction with summer camps including songwriting, sound design for video games, creative writing, science of sound, and more. Registration open now. more
Educational Resources
Online or on-site, EMP provides teachers with the resources they need. EMP offers a variety of resources for educators including lesson plans, gallery guides, workshops at the museum and in schools, and Professional Development Day. more
Youth Advisory Board
Youth Advisory Board members actively contribute to EMP events and exhibit openings, and influence teen programming at EMP by collaborating with local musicians, artists, and community groups and promoting teen programs such as Sound Off! more
Calendar
Check out the EMP calendar for lectures, music performances, opening exhibit events and more!
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DECEMBER EVENTS
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4 SUNDAY
Doctor Wholidays
6:30pm-11:00pm
Sunday, December 4
Get a head start planning your trip across space and time at Doctor Wholidays!
We're announcing Christmas in July, and putting tickets on sale early as a special save the date for our annual December celebration of BBC's iconic series, Doctor Who! We want to make sure the many Whovian…
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NOVEMBER EVENTS
There are no events this month
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OCTOBER EVENTS
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1 SATURDAY
31 Days of Horror
Varies
Saturday, October 1 - Monday, October 31
Join EMP for a month of spine-chilling events, ghostly food and drink specials, and horrifying fun at the museum. All month adults in costume receive $5 off museum admission on weekends and kids 12 and under get in free on October 30.
Haunted Happy Hours
Enjoy frightful drink special…
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8 SATURDAY
Haunted Happy Hour: Strangest Things
5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, October 8
Escape from the Upside Down dimension, hop on your bike, and follow Eleven’s tracks to EMP for our Stranger Things-inspired Haunted Happy Hour.
It’s your turn to try and defeat the dreaded, multi-headed demogorgon through Dungeons & Dragons tabletop gameplay! Plus, enjoy drink sp…
Campout Cinema: The Thing
8:00pm (doors 7:00pm)
Saturday, October 8
In John Carpenter’s take of the 1950s classic, The Thing (1982), a group of research scientists in remote Antarctica must battle against a vicious alien creature before it picks them off one by one.
…
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13 THURSDAY
Campout Cinema: Hocus Pocus (2nd Screening)
8:00pm (doors 7:00pm)
Thursday, October 13
Three witch sisters return to Salem on Halloween night to exact their revenge in this Campout Cinema screening of Hocus Pocus (1993).
…
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15 SATURDAY
Haunted Happy Hour: Like, Totally Wicked
5:00pm-7:00pm
Saturday, October 15
Join us at EMP for this spooky '90s homage featuring phat jams, drink specials, clips from super fly movies, giveaways, trivia, and more!
For even more '90s fun, stick around after the happy hour for Campout Cinema: Hocus Pocus (21+).
Campout Cinema: Hocus Pocus
8:00pm (doors 7:00pm)
Saturday, October 15
Three witch sisters return to Salem on Halloween night to exact their revenge in this Campout Cinema screening of Hocus Pocus (1993).
…
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16 SUNDAY
Campout Cinema: Hocus Pocus (All Ages)
7:30pm (doors 6:30pm)
Sunday, October 16
Three witch sisters return to Salem on Halloween night to exact their revenge in this Campout Cinema screening of Hocus Pocus (1993).
…
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22 SATURDAY
Fashionably Undead Prom: Under the Sea
9:00pm-1:00am
Saturday, October 22
Dive into EMP Museum for a night of ghastly amusement and hair-raising fun at our annual Fashionably Undead Prom.
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28 FRIDAY
Haunted Happy Hour: B-Movie Bingo
5:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, October 28
Join EMP for this unique, interactive movie-watching experience which combines live comedy, B-movie clichés, and a high-stakes bingo competition.
Campout Cinema: Carrie
8:00pm (doors 7:00pm)
Friday, October 28
Relive the most memorable prom scene in history at this Campout Cinema screening of Carrie (1976).
Based on Stephen K… -
30 SUNDAY
Howl-O-Ween
11:00am-2:00pm
Sunday, October 30
Round up your super heroes, fairies, and tiny goblins for this family-friendly trick-or-treating extravaganza at the museum.
Produced by EMP's Youth Advisory Board, this s…
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS
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1 THURSDAY
Nindies@Night
8:00pm-midnight
Thursday, September 1
For the second year, Nintendo will kick off its PAX West activities with an event celebrating indie gaming at EMP.
The event is free and open to the public and will give people a chance to sample playable and anticipated video games from the Nindie community.
Playable games include …
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8 THURSDAY
Star Trek 50
10:00am-5:00pm
Thursday, September 8
EMP is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic franchise with a day of family-friendly daytime activities highlighting our newest exhibit, Star Trek: Exploring …
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15 THURSDAY
Homeschool Day: Wearable Sculptures
Class times vary
Thursday, September 15
Mixed media artist Nicole Appell will highlight our World of WearableArt™ exhibition in a whole new way through this arts-focused workshop created especially for homeschool students.
Each student will design, construct, and embellish their own wearable sculpture in the form of a hat. …
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17 SATURDAY
Seattle Mini Maker Faire
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday, September 17 - Sunday, September 18
Explore what the maker movement is all about at this family-friendly festival celebrating makers in our region and the do-it-yourself and do-it-together spirit.
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AUGUST EVENTS
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22 MONDAY
Advanced Music Program
9:00am-4:00pm
Monday, August 22 - Friday, August 26
Rain City Rock Camp for Girls AMP at EMP is an advanced music program for female-identified teens* ages 14-19 with prior music experience.
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26 FRIDAY
Friday, August 26 - Saturday, August 27
EMP Museum in partnership with SIFF and Weird Elephant at The Grand Cinema presents an encore screening of the 11th annual Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival.
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Visit
Hours, maps, directions, and everything you need to know about planning your museum visit.
EMP Museum is located at 325 5th Avenue N at Seattle Center.
The museum is easily accessible by car, numerous bus routes, and the historic Seattle Center Monorail, built in 1962 for the Seattle World's Fair. The Monorail departs every 10 minutes from the station at Seattle Center, and from Westlake Center Mall, at 5th and Pine Street.
EMP Hours
Summer Hours
May 27, 2016 - September 5, 2016
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Winter Hours
September 6, 2016 - May 25, 2017
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Special Operating Hours
Open daily 10:00am–5:00pm during "Winter Hours," and 10:00am–7:00pm during "Summer Hours" unless otherwise noted.
November 24, 2016 (Thanksgiving Day): CLOSED
November 25–26, 2016: 10:00am–7:00pm
December 24, 2016 (Christmas Eve): 10:00am–4:00pm
December 25, 2016 (Christmas Day): CLOSED
December 26–30, 2016: 10:00am–7:00pm
CityPASS
Purchase a CityPASS
Save on admission to five top Seattle attractions including EMP Museum.
Groups
Make a Reservation
Visit with your friends, family, colleagues, school field trip, or any other group of ten or more and receive discounted admission.
Private Events
Inquire About Private Events
A spectacular venue suitable for a wide variety of events from weddings and parties to concerts and corporate meetings.
CULTURE KITCHEN
CULTURE KITCHEN
Hours
Daily 10:00am–7:00pm
Happy Hour 5:00pm–7:00pm (Thurs.-Sat.)
206-262-3030
Where to Stay
Hotel Packages
Experience unique package deals and discounts at EMP partner hotels located within walking distance to the museum.
Tickets + Membership
Buy tickets, or better yet, become a member to one of the most unique museums in the world.
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Tickets are valid for 90 days. Questions? We're here to help: experience@EMPmuseum.org
Become a member
EMP members enjoy free year-round admission to the museum, in addition to access to exhibition previews and events, special offers and discounts, and lectures and oral histories with luminaries from the world of pop culture. Celebrate cinema, make your own music, discover science fiction, and take pleasure in knowing that your membership bolsters EMP's efforts to educate, inspire, and spark creativity and imagination in young and old alike.
For information about membership at EMP call 206-770-2772 or email Membership@EMPmuseum.org
Starter Memberships
| Type | Price | Benefits | Info | Purchase + Options |
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| Individual | $59 |
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Full Benefit Info | Join Today!
There are a number of different memberships available. Find the one that fits you best! New Benefit: EMP members receive free admission to Living Computer Museum and Flying Heritage Collection! |
| Dual | $79 |
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Full Benefit Info | |
| Family | $119 |
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Full Benefit Info |
Group Visits
Visit EMP as a group and experience a self-guided tour, special group entry with a designated motor coach drop-off point, and discounted rates on admission and On Stage posters and DVDs.
About EMP
EMP celebrates the creative process, engages the imagination, and inspires personal expression in current and future generations.
Statement of Mission
EMP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture. With its roots in rock 'n' roll, EMP serves as a gateway museum, reaching multigenerational audiences through our collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, using interactive technologies to engage and empower our visitors. At EMP, artists, audiences and ideas converge, bringing understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the popular culture of our time.
The EMP Building
Frank O. Gehry looked to music for his inspiration when designing EMP.
A classical music fan, Gehry wanted to understand rock 'n' roll, so he traded in his Bach for Hendrix and took a trip to the neighborhood guitar store. He bought several electric guitars, took them back to his office, and cut them into pieces. The guitar pieces were the building blocks for an early model design. Influenced by the colors in the early model, Gehry's final design brightly displays the red and blue hues of electric guitars.Private Events
The museum's one-of-a-kind architecture offers numerous unique sites, from lofty and spacious to cozy and secluded.
Whether your event is a corporate meeting, a concert, an intimate gathering, a film premiere, a seated dinner or an elaborate reception, EMP offers an awe-inspiring setting for your next special occasion.
Questions? Contact PrivateEvents@EMPmuseum.org.
Press
Assets for Press and Media.
Members of the media can access EMP's press releases, media kit downloads, and high-res images.