The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), located in Seattle, Washington, is a captivating and dynamic institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of popular culture.

MoPOP stands out for its striking architecture, designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. The building's unconventional design features a mix of curving, colorful metallic panels that resemble flowing sheets of music or distorted guitars. It has become an iconic landmark in Seattle's skyline, drawing visitors with its bold and distinctive aesthetic.

The museum's mission is to engage visitors in a multi-disciplinary exploration of popular culture across various mediums, including music, film, television, video games, science fiction, and more. It offers a vast array of exhibits and interactive displays that immerse visitors in the rich tapestry of pop culture.

One of the museum's notable attractions is the Sound Lab, where visitors can experiment with musical instruments, recording equipment, and technology to create their own music. The interactive nature of the exhibit encourages visitors to engage with music and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural impact.

MoPOP also boasts an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia, showcasing the history and influence of popular culture icons. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to legendary musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Prince, examining their impact on music and society. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions that delve into diverse aspects of pop culture, from science fiction and fantasy to horror and comics.

Beyond music, MoPOP pays homage to other forms of popular culture through its exhibitions. Visitors can delve into the world of science fiction and fantasy, exploring iconic franchises like Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings. The museum also highlights the artistry and cultural significance of video games, featuring exhibits that delve into the evolution of gaming, influential titles, and the creative minds behind them.

The museum is also home to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, honoring the most influential and groundbreaking contributors to the genre. Inductees include renowned authors, filmmakers, artists, and visionaries who have shaped the landscape of science fiction and fantasy.

Tip:
Either get a CityPass (available inside) or a combo ticket to the Space Needle and Chihuly's Garden and Glass exhibit to bring the price down. If you're short on time, dare to ask when buying ticket/s if there's a way to reenter the following day.

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a captivating museum and art exhibition located in Seattle. Dedicated to the stunning works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, the museum offers visitors an immersive and awe-inspiring experience that celebrates the beauty and versatility of glass as an artistic medium.

Chihuly Garden and Glass is situated at the foot of the iconic Space Needle. The museum's indoor exhibition space presents a mesmerizing display of Chihuly's sculptures, installations, and intricate glass creations. The artwork explores a wide range of forms, colors, and textures, showcasing the artist's mastery of the glassblowing technique and his innovative approach to sculptural design. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and vibrant hues of Chihuly's signature works, which often evoke natural elements like flowers, sea creatures, and organic shapes.

In addition to the indoor galleries, Chihuly Garden and Glass features an expansive outdoor garden that beautifully integrates art with nature. The garden exhibits Chihuly's sculptures against a backdrop of carefully curated plantings, creating a harmonious blend of color and form. The glass artwork interacts with the surrounding flora, water features, and natural light, creating a dynamic and ever-changing visual experience throughout the seasons.

Visitors can stroll through the garden pathways, discovering hidden nooks and unexpected displays at every turn. The juxtaposition of the delicate glass artistry against the ruggedness of nature creates a sense of wonder and exploration. The garden also features a stunning glasshouse, showcasing one of Chihuly's largest suspended installations-an extraordinary chandelier-like structure that spans the entire ceiling and is illuminated to create a breathtaking spectacle.

Chihuly Garden and Glass offers visitors more than just visual delight. The museum provides educational insights into Chihuly's creative process, the history of glass art, and the evolution of his artistic career. Interactive exhibits, videos, and informative displays shed light on the intricate techniques and craftsmanship behind the glassblowing process, further enriching the visitor experience.

Tip:
Since this exhibit doesn't take too long, try getting tickets at or after 4pm if possible, as they are significantly discounted.

Only one World's Fair was the setting for an Elvis Presley movie ("It Happened at the World's Fair") and that was the one held in Seattle in 1962. However, Seattle residents are proudest of the fair's most tangible legacy: the internationally recognized Space Needle.

The Space Needle is an iconic observation tower and landmark located in Seattle. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Space Needle has become a symbol of the city and a must-visit attraction for visitors from around the world. With its unique design and breathtaking views, it offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the beauty of Seattle and its surrounding landscapes.

Designed by architects John Graham, Victor Steinbrueck, and John Ridley, the Space Needle was inspired by the futuristic vision of the World's Fair. Standing at a height of 605 feet (or 184 meters), the tower features a distinctive saucer-shaped structure with a rotating restaurant and an observation deck at the top. The design is characterized by its slender profile and the iconic 100-foot (or 30-meter) wide observation deck, providing visitors with unparalleled panoramic views.

Riding the elevator to the top, visitors are greeted by the observation deck, which offers 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. On clear days, the visibility stretches for miles, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the region. The deck features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed vistas, as well as outdoor viewing platforms for an even closer look at the scenery.

The Space Needle also features the SkyCity restaurant, which revolves 360 degrees as guests dine, completing a full rotation in approximately 47 minutes. This unique dining experience allows visitors to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in ever-changing views of Seattle and the surrounding landscape.

The Space Needle is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an integral part of Seattle's cultural fabric. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and photographs, becoming an iconic symbol of the city's skyline.

Tip:
Try to get your tickets and your reservation for the café a few days in advance – especially if visiting on a weekend. Note that if you eat at the restaurant, you can go to the viewing tower free of charge.

Pike Place Market is a historic public market located in Seattle. Established in 1907, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers' markets in the United States. The market's rich history is intertwined with the growth and development of the city itself.

The origins of Pike Place Market can be traced back to the early 1900s when Seattle's rapid population growth led to increased demand for fresh produce and agricultural products. At the time, local farmers were struggling to sell their goods due to the presence of middlemen who drove down prices and made it difficult for farmers to make a living. In response to this, a group of determined citizens and advocates for farmers' rights formed the Pike Place Market Association to establish a public market that would connect farmers directly with consumers.

On August 17, 1907, Pike Place Market officially opened its doors to the public on a site near the waterfront, stretching from Pike Street to Virginia Street. The market quickly became a vibrant hub of activity, with farmers setting up stalls to sell their produce, and shoppers flocking to the market to enjoy fresh, high-quality goods. The market's motto, "Meet the Producer," reflected its commitment to fostering a direct connection between farmers and consumers, a concept that remains central to Pike Place Market's ethos to this day.

Over the years, Pike Place Market weathered various challenges, including the Great Depression and the threat of demolition in the 1960s due to urban renewal plans. However, a grassroots campaign led by citizens, activists, and preservationists successfully saved the market from destruction. In 1971, Pike Place Market was added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its status as a cherished cultural and historical landmark.

Today, Pike Place Market is a bustling and diverse marketplace that encompasses several buildings. It features an extensive array of vendors, including farmers, fishermen, butchers, artisans, craftspeople, and specialty food producers. Visitors can explore the market's labyrinthine alleys and corridors, discovering a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the famous fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market who famously toss fish to entertain customers to the craft stalls selling unique handmade goods, the market offers an immersive and authentic experience.

In addition to its bustling marketplace, Pike Place Market is also home to a variety of eateries, independent shops, and small businesses. The market is renowned for its diverse culinary offerings, including fresh seafood, locally roasted coffee, international cuisines, and artisanal treats. It has become a destination not only for shopping but also for dining, entertainment, and community gatherings.

Tip:
A must-see is the kiosk famous for “fish throwing” to a willing customer. This area can get crowded, but just be patient and you'll get your picture/video. The kiosk is right next to a medium-size statue called Rachel the Pig. Bathrooms are available in different areas, just make sure you follow the sign.

Merchant Hours:
Mon-Thu: 10am–6pm; Fri-Sun: 10am–6:30pm
Restaurants: 6am–1:30am; varies

What to buy here: Moon Valley Organics – Pacific Northwest healing soaps, medical salves, honey, and gift sets are thoughtful gifts. Moon Valley Organics is a Pacific Northwest family-owned and operated business located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range. They use only the highest quality ingredients, incorporating sustainable farming & wildcrafting techniques combined with established scientific study and traditional medicinal knowledge, including a Naturopathic (ND), Oriental Medicine (AOM, Lac), and Traditional Medical (MD) practitioner, and an Herbalist who specifically create their health and beauty products. Each of their botanical formulas integrates the concept of synergy, which means the interaction of pooled ingredients has a greater effect than that of the ingredient's individual effects. All of their products are petroleum-free and never tested on animals. Moon Valley Organics consciously grows, manufactures, and distributes their products from ‘seed to sale’.

Moon Valley Organics can be purchased in several Seattle stores like PCC, Whole Foods, and the Herbalist, or visit their store inside the Pike Place Market on the main arcade to taste and peruse their gift item selection.

A family-friendly attraction on Pier 59, the Seattle Aquarium features 200 varieties of fish native to Puget Sound. There are also environments simulating the region's rocky reefs, sandy sea floor, eelgrass beds, and tide pools. A working fish ladder illustrates the salmon life cycle, and other exhibits show the paths that water travels on its way to Puget Sound.

Vividly striped lionfish, lethal electric eels, chameleon-like flatfish, octopus, dogfish, and salmon dart side by side with irresistibly entertaining seals and otters. The twice-daily oceanic tides flood Puget Sound and mix with fresh water from rainfall to nurture "an unequaled estuarine haven for plants, animals, and humans," as one of the educational captions says.

Among other things, the Aquarium includes a three-story great hall with educational kiosks and conservation exhibits, a man-made coral reef, and two large exhibit pools that include touch zones. But the main attraction here is, undoubtedly, the enormous 120,000-gallon tank filled with fish, sea anemones, and other marine life. Dive shows take place several times a day, and the divers are able to converse with visitors explaining the types of fish in the exhibit tanks in detail.

The building's location is great – right on the waterfront, with plenty of seafood restaurants and bars located close by.

Why You Should Visit:
Relatively small aquarium compared to others in the US; however, the focus is on local marine life and it is well presented. You can touch sea stars, cucumbers, coral – with luck you can see the staff feeding the stars, anemones, sharks, etc. Definitely welcoming to everyone of all ages, with lots of hands-on activities for kids and informative/friendly staff.

Tip:
Use the map provided because you could miss a section without knowing it and it would be a loss not to see the entire aquarium. Use, also, the elevators in the public parking across the street to get up the hill to Pike Place Market.