Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame

If you could take just one photo: Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame

When you first walk up to the building, the architecture really is quite moving, you're right by the space needle and the building that houses this shrine of Sci Fi and music legends is no less breathtaking. When I walked in, I felt like a child that had just been turned loose on a new playground. I didn't know where I wanted to go first- the gift shop was full of surprisingly reasonably priced items that any music lover or science fiction fan would adore. I ended up buying everyone's holiday gifts there- a large assortment of film negatives from the Star Trek movies made into bookmarks and keychains. What a hit! I couldn't resist losing myself to the gift shop first, and I am a pretty "thrifty" museum goer. Once you purchase your tickets for the Sci Fi portion of the building, you enter a series of rooms whose lighting is so reminiscent of "outer space" to give a sort of unnoticed hush to the mood that is both awe-inspiring and exciting, while feeling quite peaceful. Immediately you notice the bridge of the Enterprise, in all its original glory spread out before you. I remember thinking that I felt this was a truly encapsulated piece of time and fiction I was being allowed to "set into". Lovingly, I went from each exhibit to the next, reading every word. Some corners you turn, and are slightly startled by- say- a giant Alien Queen in her shiny, glistening horror staring at you from behind glass. The music section of the building was much brighter, more energetic. Containing lavish outfits of rock legends, a unique display regarding the time lines in rock in roll were a nice sight to see, but do yourself a favor and go up to the "experience" section first until you wear yourself out and then go downstairs and see the rest. The music experience has these computer assisted instruments and demonstrations that are a blast for all music lovers, even if you never played before! Forget playing Rock Band, just spend your afternoon here and build real skills! This is where I will pause-My biggest piece of advice? Bring a booklight, paper and a pen! You will find that these exhibits reveal works and details from your favorite creators of fiction or music that you never knew about, and if you care to record them they may become your next favorite piece of work. Additionally, you may find a piece of little known trivia that you can jot down to astound all your friends later, or tweet to your friends once you are done drooling.

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If you could take just one photo: Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame

The Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington is an artistic tribute to popular music. From the unique design of the building to the memorabilia it houses, there is nothing stuffy about this music museum located in downtown Seattle adjacent to the world famous Space Needle. EMP is known for its interactive exhibitions, most of which you can get your hands on - literally, like the recording booths where you can pick-up your favorite instrument and lay down a track, or the sound stage where you and your friends can make a real music video and take it home on DVD. If you'd rather sit back and relax you can always watch one of the dozens of live events and concerts held at EMP each month. EMP also features art and instruments integral to the development of musical genres like rock and roll, jazz, and hip hop, with a special highlight on the rockers that put Seattle on the musical map, like Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and Soundgarden. Rock out in the museum, fuel up in the music themed cafe, or visit the attached science fiction museum. The Experience Music Project is sure to be an action packed, information filled, memorable experience for any Seattle traveler.

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The Experience Music Project is a guitar geek’s dream. Upon entry, Timpin’s mesmerizing IF VI WAS IX: Roots and Branches sculpture towers overhead. The 35-foot musical colossus is made up of almost 700 instruments (mostly guitars) that actually create music using several programmed robotic guitars. Next, stroll through Stratocasters and beyond in the guitar gallery, featuring 50 rare electric and acoustic guitars from 1770 to present. Around the corner, find a room dedicated entirely to Seattle’s rock legend and guitar god, Jimi Hendrix. See some of his vintage guitars—both intact and broken—from his famed guitar crushing sets, or visit a listening station chronicling his innovative signature sound. Upstairs, enter the sound lab, where you can play electric guitar, drums, keyboards, and more using the interactive tutorial—or even record your own CD in the private studio.

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