Back to all Seattle places

Seattle, Washington / Museums

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

A vibrant nonprofit museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture, featuring immersive exhibitions on science fiction, horror, and music legends like Nirvana.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
www.mopop.org, og_image_www.mopop.org

What is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) known for?

MoPOP is a nonprofit museum in Seattle dedicated to contemporary popular culture. It features immersive exhibitions and artifacts related to various fandoms, including science fiction, horror, and Nirvana.

What are the hours?

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Are there any discounts on admission?

Yes, Washington state residents can receive a 15% discount on museum admission year-round by providing an ID.

Where is the museum located?

MoPOP is located at 325 Fifth Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.

How do I enter the museum for tickets?

Visitors should use the West Entrance for ticketing, which is located across from the Seattle Center Plaza Playground.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Museum of Pop Culture, commonly known as MoPOP, is a nonprofit institution in Seattle dedicated to the celebration of contemporary popular culture. It was founded in 2000 by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, who originally established the site as the Experience Music Project. Located at 325 Fifth Ave N, the museum serves as a massive archive for fandoms, caring for more than 80,000 artifacts. These collections allow visitors to go behind the scenes of their favorite genres, with specific immersive exhibitions focused on science fiction, horror, and the legacy of Nirvana. MoPOP is particularly renowned for its genre-specific curation, claiming to house Seattle's finest horror collection. The museum blends education with entertainment, utilizing stunning artifacts to illustrate how pop culture shapes community identities. Visitors can plan their trip through online ticketing, though entry remains on a first-come, first-served basis. The facility maintains a rigorous schedule, opening as early as 8:30 AM on weekends to accommodate the crowds of the Seattle Center area.

Visitor tips

  • Enter through the West Entrance for ticketing, which is located across from the Seattle Center Plaza Playground.
  • Washington state residents should bring a valid ID to receive a year-round 15% discount on admission.
  • If arriving by car, use the turnaround at 5th Avenue N and Harrison for drop-offs, but note that parking is strictly prohibited there.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to streamline your planning process.

Nearby context

MoPOP is situated within the bustling Seattle Center complex, positioned near the Plaza Playground and accessible via 5th Avenue N.

Sources

Evidence and links