The Electronic Project Museum is an interactive museum popular with music lovers of all types. For those who want to explore Seattle's vibrant music scene, from Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Sound Garden and the grunge era all the way to today's local scene through musicians, DJs and independent label reps that are taking the Emerald City in new directions, it's truly not-to-be-missed. Kids will love it too, for the chance to really crank up the volume, bang the drums, pound the keyboards and strum electric guitars.
Parking and public transportation at EMP Museum
The EMP Museum can be easily reached by car and is surrounded by a number of pay lots, including one available on the north end of the building, but it's generally less of a hassle and less expensive to take public transportation. From downtown, take the historic Seattle Center Monorail, built in 1962 for the World's Fair, to add to your experience. The museum is also served by numerous bus routes, with frequent connections to downtown Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods.
Best and worst time to go to EMP Museum
As with most museums, the EMP Museum is the least crowded in the morning and in the evening. Your best bet to avoid bumping elbows with others is to either arrive when it opens at 10 a.m., or, during the month of July when it's open until 9 p.m., sometime after 6 p.m. The worse time to go is during the middle of the day on a weekend or a holiday.
Admission to EMP Museum
Admission ranges from free for members and children four years of age and younger to $24 for an adult, regular admission ticket. Discounts are available by purchasing online as well as for seniors, students, military members and children, five through 17 years old.
Must see and do at EMP Museum
Don't miss the museum's interactive space, which has 12 mini-studio rooms where you can jam out on real or MIDI-compatible instruments. You can even channel your inner rock star in front of a virtual audience at the On Stage exhibit. It comes complete with screaming fans, smoke and lights. The two main exhibits that provide an in-depth look on the evolution of the city's music scene, "Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses" and "Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound" are both must-sees as well.
Other places to visit near EMP Museum
The EMP Museum is part of Seattle Center, built for the 1962 World's Fair as a marquee attraction, which means you'll have access to many of the city's popular attractions just steps away. The Space Needle, the most iconic image of Seattle's skyline, features 360-degree views from its 605-foot-high observation deck, where, on a clear day, you can gaze over the city as well the glistening waters of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges and more. The Pacific Science Center boasts planetarium, laser and science shows as well as two IMAX theaters, while the Seattle Children's Museum offers over 11 permanent exhibits exploring the world as a hands-on, family-friendly attraction.
Insider tips for visitors to EMP Museum
If you're looking for a unique souvenir, the museum has an excellent gift shop with items you're unlikely to find anywhere else, from rock t-shirts to pop culture items like Doctor Who and Star Wars merchandise. If you're limited on funds, don't spend elsewhere until you've checked it out.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
The Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art offers a unique collection of dolls from the past and present and from cultures around the world. Located in downtown Bellevue, the museum is open to the public and private groups seven days a week, and has on display dolls from hundreds of years ago on up to modern creations like G.I. Joe.