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At The Museum

Featuring mesmerizing exhibits, interactive installations, oral histories, and a wealth of learning opportunities.

Current + Upcoming Exhibitions

EMP Building

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EMP is housed in a 140,000 square foot Frank O. Gehry designed building.

More About the Building Inquire About Private EventsMuseum Map

Programs + Education

School visits, field trips, oral histories, teen artist workshops, and multiple ways to get involved!

Featured Programs + Events

  • Teen Artist Workshops for Summer

    Teen Artist Workshops for Summer

    Join Seattle’s School of Rock and Rain City Rock Camp for Girls at EMP for guaranteed summerlong fun. Youth can gain hands-on instrumental proficiencies, get a historic and cultural perspective of music trends, hone writing skills, and most importantly rock out. EMP members, former campers, YAB, and EMP affiliates save more than 15% on camps at Rain City Rock Camp for Girls until classes are full, and on School of Rock camps now through May 30. more

  • Blow Out: Women Who Rock Opening Concert

    Blow Out: Women Who Rock Opening Concert

    EMP kicks off a brand-new exhibit—Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power—with a femme-centric live concert featuring The Bad EMPressions: Kathy Valentine, Patty Schemel, Donita Sparks, and Kim Shattuck. See these celebrated musicians perform alongside guest singers Annabella Lwin, Star Anna, Shelby Earl, Choklate, and others to be announced! This all-star band will perform five decades of music by the legendary female forerunners that influenced them, along with some songs of their own that they played to fame. more

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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

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S.T.A.R.

Open to ensembles of all musical genres based in schools or the wider community, EMP’s S.T.A.R (Students Training in Artistic Reach) program supports youth music ensembles by conveying the artistic skills necessary to perform in a professional capacity. more

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Educational Resources

Online or on-site, EMP provides teachers with the resources they need. EMP offers a variety of resources for educators to use in their classrooms, including lesson plans, oral history resources, and interactive resources. more

Creativity Camps

EMP is proud to team up with Seattle Children's Theatre and Pacific Science Center for Creativity Camps this summer. Kids in 1st to 8th grade will gain access to arts and educational opportunities in some of Seattle's most prestigious institutions. more

Calendar

Check out the EMP calendar for lectures, music performances, opening exhibit events and more!

  • AUGUST EVENTS

    • 5 MONDAY

      Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9

      Take the next step in your musical journey: learn the craft of songwriting, promotion, marketing, and performance. Study and perform the classic works of great songwriters while learning to write your own material to be performed at the end of the week.

      Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9

      How do kids express themselves? Through music, acting, and storytelling! At Seattle Children’s Theatre they’ll use improvisation and story structure to develop original works to be performed in class. On-site at EMP they’ll learn how to compose songs with structure, melody, and rhythm …

    • 12 MONDAY

      Advanced Music Program

      9:00am-4:00pm

      Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16

      Rain City Rock Camp for Girls' AMP at EMP is an advanced music program for girls ages 14–19 with prior music experience. Teens come for a weeklong intensive study of playing in a band, songwriting, music business and empowerment workshops, off-site trips to studios & venues, and more! …

      Rock-Prov

      8:45am-4:00pm

      Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16

      A kid’s backstage pass to the worlds of theatre and music! Let them sneak a behind-the-scenes peek at Seattle Children’s Theatre, explore the roles of theatre artists, and use improvisation to develop original scenes to perform in class. On-site at EMP they’ll discover the roots of rock ‘n’ roll…

    • 29 THURSDAY

      Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

      How do kids express themselves? Through music, acting, and storytelling! At Seattle Children’s Theatre they’ll use improvisation and story structure to develop original works to be performed in class. On-site at EMP they’ll learn how to compose songs with structure, melody, and rhythm …

      Performance Camp: Hendrix

      10:00am-4:00pm

      Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

      Get to know Jimi in a building that houses many of his personal guitars and handwritten notes. Many of Hendrix’s tunes stick to basic blues progressions but feature advance guitar leads and occasional complex rhythms, making this camp appropriate for students of all levels.

  • JULY EVENTS

    • 8 MONDAY

      Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12

      This camp pays tribute to the ladies who revolutionized rock and roll. Everything from the bluesy vocals of Janis Joplin to the wild anthems of the Riot Grrrl movement will be covered. Appropriate for both male and female students.

      Monday, July 8 - Friday, July 12

      Find out how tubes, wind, and strings combine to make the sounds of science in this action-packed week-long camp! …

    • 22 MONDAY

      Performance Camp: Nirvana

      10:00am-4:00pm

      Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26

      Where would rock music be today without the groundbreaking genius of Kurt, Dave, and Krist? Classic Nirvana songs are popular with students of all levels.

      Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26

      Find out how tubes, wind, and strings combine to make the sounds of science in this action-packed week-long camp! …

    • 29 MONDAY

      Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

      How do kids express themselves? Through music, acting, and storytelling! At Seattle Children’s Theatre they’ll use improvisation and story structure to develop original works to be performed in class. On-site at EMP they’ll learn how to compose songs with structure, melody, and rhythm …

      Performance Camp: Hendrix

      10:00am-4:00pm

      Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

      Get to know Jimi in a building that houses many of his personal guitars and handwritten notes. Many of Hendrix’s tunes stick to basic blues progressions but feature advance guitar leads and occasional complex rhythms, making this camp appropriate for students of all levels.

  • JUNE EVENTS

    • 3 MONDAY

      Monday, June 3

      Don’t miss an engaging 60-minute guided tour of EMP Museum with structural designers from engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic Associates to hear more little-known facts and behind-the-scenes accounts of the design and construction of Frank O. Gehry’s famous building.…

    • 5 WEDNESDAY

      Wednesday, June 5

      Don’t miss an engaging 60-minute guided tour of EMP Museum with structural designers from engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic Associates to hear more little-known facts and behind-the-scenes accounts of the design and construction of Frank O. Gehry’s famous building.…

    • 7 FRIDAY

      Friday, June 7

      Don’t miss an engaging 60-minute guided tour of EMP Museum with structural designers from engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic Associates to hear more little-known facts and behind-the-scenes accounts of the design and construction of Frank O. Gehry’s famous building.…

    • 14 FRIDAY

      Blow Out: Women Who Rock Opening Concert

      Doors at 7:00pm, show at 8:00pm

      Friday, June 14

      EMP celebrates the opening of Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power. Don’t miss an all-star band performing five decades of music by the legendary female forerunners that influenced them, along with some songs of their own that they played to fame.…

    • 16 SUNDAY

      Sunday, June 16

      Hosted by John Richards, Father's Day Kids Dance Party features break dancing by Vicious Puppies Crew (V.P.C.), activities and crafts with , and family dance time with KEXP DJs Rhythma and Kid Hops.…

      Sunday, June 16

      The 2013 Seattle Science Festival presents a special screening featuring favorites from EMP’s Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival, introduced by real scientists and researchers exploring the real science behind the sci-fi.…

  • MAY EVENTS

CALENDAR

  • AUGUST 2013

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  • JULY 2013

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  • MAY 2013

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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.

Detailed Directions to EMP

EMP Location Map

EMP Hours

Winter Hours

September 4, 2012 - May 23, 2013
Daily 10:00am-5:00pm

Summer Hours

May 24, 2013 - September 2, 2013
Daily 10:00am-7:00pm

Special Operating Hours in 2013

EMP is participating in Smithsonian's Museum Day Live!
Saturday, September 28, extended hours, 10:00am–7:00pm

Holiday Hours

Friday, November 29–Saturday, November 30 (Thanksgiving Weekend), 10:00am–7:00pm
Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), 10:00am–4:00pm
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day), MUSEUM CLOSED
Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day), MUSEUM CLOSED

Group Visits

EMP is a great place for groups! Visit with your friends, family, colleagues, school field trip, or any other group of ten or more and receive discounted admission.

Your group will have a blast playing music together in Sound Lab, rocking out in On Stage, exploring EMP's award-winning exhibitions, and much more.

Make a Reservation

EMP Stores

EMP Store EMP Stores

Hours

Daily 10:00am–5:30pm
206-262-3013

POP Kitchen + Bar

POP_Kitchen_photo POP Kitchen + Bar

Hours

Daily 10:00am–5:00pm
Full menu available 11:00am
Happy Hour* 5:00pm–7:00pm
206-262-3030

*Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only.

Private Events

Private_event_photo2 Inquire About Private Events

A spectacular venue suitable for a wide variety of events from weddings and parties to concerts and corporate meetings.

Where to stay

Complete your travel plans by booking your stay at an EMP partner hotel.

Experience unique package deals and pricing discounts at four hotels in downtown Seattle and South Lake Union, conveniently located within walking distance to EMP.

Hotel Packages

Tickets + Membership

Buy tickets, or better yet, become a member to one of the most unique museums in the world.

Ticket Prices

TypeRegular PriceSaveOnline PricePurchase + Options
Adults (18-64) $20
$5
 $15 Buy Tix


A ticket to EMP gives you access to original exhibitions, award-winning-interactive installations, and musical experiences like no other. 



A six-attraction ticket to fun, CityPASS offers admission to EMP in addition to the Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruises Seattle Harbor Tour, Seattle Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Woodland Park Zoo or the Museum of Flight.

Purchase a CityPASS
Seniors (65+) $17
$2
 $15
Students (with I.D.) $17
$2
 $15
Military (with I.D.) $14
$2
 $12
Youth (5-17) $14
$2
 $12
Children (4 and younger) FREE
FREE
 FREE
Members FREE
FREE
 FREE

Admission is always free with membership.
Become a member today
Audio Guide $5

Free for members
Enhance your museum visit with an audio guide!

EMP iPod® audio guides contain extensive listening content to supplement your visit to the following EMP galleries: Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses, Guitar Gallery, and Hear My Train a Comin': Hendrix Hits London, and jukeboxes that feature the memorable music of many of the artists.

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

TypePriceBenefitsInfoPurchase + Options
Individual $50
  • Free admission for one adult for one year
  • Two single-use guest passes
  • Discounts at museum shops
 Full Benefit Info Join Today!

 

There are a number of different memberships available. Find the one that fits you best!

More Membership Levels
Dual $65
  • Free admission for two adults for one year
  • Invitations to exhibition previews and events
  • Discounts at museum shops and more
 Full Benefit Info
Family $95
  • Free admission for two adults and children
  • Discounts to summer camps and workshops
  • Complimentary iPod audio guide rental
 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.

More About Group Visits

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

380x150More About 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.

EMP Private EventInquire About Private Events

2011 Annual Report

Annual Report Cover 2011

Download       

Press

Assets for Press and Media.

Members of the media can access EMP's press releases, media kit downloads, and high-res images.

Media Kits

Get Involved

Job Opportunities

Volunteer

Youth Advisory Board

Donate