Seattle - Washington State - page 102

and American art ranging from ancient Mediterranean works to pieces from the
medieval, Renaissance, and baroque periods. A large 18th-century collection
and a smaller 19th-century exhibition lead up to a large 20th-century collection
that includes a room devoted to Northwest contemporary art. (There's also a
smattering of Asian art at this museum, but the city's major collection of Asian
art is at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park; see below for details.)
Free guided tours of the different collections are offered.
100 University St. & 206/654-3100. www.seattleartmuseum.org. Admission $7 adults, $5 seniors and stu-
dents, free 12 and under (admission $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students for some special exhibi-
tions). Free first Thurs of each month (free for seniors first Fri of each month). Admission ticket also valid at
Seattle Asian Art Museum if used within 1 week. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm (Thurs until 9pm). Also open on Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Closed Columbus Day, Thanks-
giving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Bus: 10, 12, 15, 18, 39, 42, or any bus using the bus tunnel.
SEATTLE CENTER ATTRACTIONS
Built in 1962 for the World's Fair, Seattle Center is today not only the site of Seat-
tle's famous Space Needle but also a cultural and entertainment park that doubles
as the city's favorite festival grounds. Within Seattle Center's boundaries, you'll
find the Experience Music Project (EMP), the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle
Children's Museum, the Seattle Children's Theatre, Key Arena (home of the NBA's
Seattle Supersonics), the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, a children's amusement
park, a fountain that's a favorite summertime hangout, the Intiman Theatre, and
the Bagley Wright Theatre. See p. 115, “Especially for Kids,” for further details on
Seattle Center attractions that young travelers will enjoy.
Experience Music Project (EMP) The brainchild of Microsoft
cofounder Paul Allen and designed by architect Frank Gehry, who is known for
pushing the envelope of architectural design, this rock 'n' roll museum is a mas-
sive multicolored blob at the foot of the Space Needle. Originally planned as a
memorial to Seattle native Jimi Hendrix, the museum grew to encompass not
only Hendrix, but all of the Northwest rock scene (from “Louie Louie” to
grunge) and the general history of American popular music.
One museum exhibit focuses on the history of guitars and includes some of
the first electric guitars, which date from the early 1930s, but the most popular
exhibits here (after the Jimi Hendrix room) are the interactive rooms. In one you
can play guitar, drums, keyboards, or even DJ turntables. In another, you can
experience what it's like to be onstage performing in front of adoring fans.
Regularly scheduled concerts are held in the museum's main hall, known as
the Sky Church. To help you get the most out of your visit (and at almost $20
for a ticket, you certainly expect plenty), every visitor is issued a Museum
Exhibit Guide (MEG), a hand-held electronic player filled with recorded audio
clips explaining the various exhibits. Give yourself plenty of time to see this
unusual museum.
325 Fifth Ave. N. & 877/EMPLIVE or 206/EMPLIVE. www.emplive.com. Admission $20 adults, $16 seniors
and children ages 13-17, $15 children ages 7-12, free for children 6 and under. Memorial Day to Labor Day
Sun-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri-Sat 9am-9pm; Labor Day to Memorial Day Sun-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat
10am-9pm. Bus: 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 15, 16, or 18. Monorail: From Westlake Center at Pine St. and Fourth Ave.
Pacific Science Center Although its exhibits are aimed primarily
at children, the Pacific Science Center is fun for all ages. The main goal of this
sprawling complex at Seattle Center is to teach kids about science and to instill
a desire to study it. To that end, there are life-size robotic dinosaurs, a butterfly
house and insect village (with giant robotic insects), a Tech Zone where kids can

Kids