The EMP Building

When Frank O. Gehry began designing EMP, he was inspired to create a structure that evoked the rock ‘n’ roll experience. He purchased several electric guitars, sliced them into pieces, and used them as building blocks for an early model design.

A fusion of textures and myriad colors, EMP’s exterior conveys all the energy and fluidity of music. Three-thousand panels, made up of 21 thousand individually cut and shaped stainless steel and painted aluminum shingles, encase the outside of the building. Their individual finishes respond to different light conditions and appear to change when viewed from different angles, reminding audiences that music and culture is constantly evolving.

Architect

Frank O. Gehry and Associates, Santa Monica, California

EMP is the first commercial project Gehry has designed in the Pacific Northwest.

Associate Architect

LMN Architects, Seattle

Building Statistics

• 140,000 total square feet; footprint, 35,000 square feet
• Highest point: 85 feet at Sky Church
• Widest point: 210 feet at West Harrison Street
• Length: 360 feet at 5th Avenue N

Location

EMP Museum is located at 325 5th Avenue N at Seattle Center.

CATIA

Frank O. Gehry is the first architect to use CATIA in the creation of his highly shaped metal buildings. CATIA allows a sculptural form to be digitized into a 3-D electronic model that can be used for the engineering of building systems and the fabrication of building elements. Invented by Dessault Corporation for the design of Mirage fighter jets, CATIA is now the primary computer design tool for Boeing and Chrysler.

Access Information

EMP is dedicated to providing an educational and interactive experience for all visitors. EMP’s designers and architects worked with representatives from the Seattle disabled community to ensure that music fans and EMP employees with disabilities could count on easy access to the entire museum. The multi-level building is accessible via six elevators. All stairwell handles comply with building codes regarding size and placement.

Wheelchair accessibility

• Electric door openers at all EMP entrances
• 34” high interior counters
• Wheelchair-accessible seats are available throughout EMP’s main music venue, Sky Church

Audio/visual assistance

• Assisted listening system
• Sub-woofers installed in the floor so patrons can feel the music
• Rear window captioning system
• Audio narration system

PRIVATE EVENTs

EMP offers an awe-inspiring setting for your next special occasion. Learn more.