In grade school, we were required to learn an instrument and the gracefulness of the flute was calling my name. Apparently, not that loudly, because it was given to the popular girl and all that was left was one lonely clarinet. Nobody wants to be in a cool band with the clarinet girl. Even as an adult, the fantasy of rocking it on stage has never left. And thanks to EMP in Seattle, Washington, my dream came true. Sort of.
The EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum in Seattle
The EMP (Experience Music Project) museum is located at the Seattle Center, where the well known Space Needle towers over its front door. From the charming Mayflower Park Hotel, near Pike Place Market, it was a just five minute tram ride.
Once inside the EMP in Seattle you will be taken on a musical journey that uses interactive technology and exhibitions to reach a multigenerational audience.
Before having the opportunity to start my official band, I soaked up the inspiration from a few exhibitions; Jimi Hendrix’s An Evolution of Sound, an extensive collection of Nirvana memorabilia, the impressive guitar gallery, a dozen interactive instruments and The Roots and Branches Sculpture, made of over 500 musical instruments.
The Nirvana exhibit is the worlds most extensive collection of memorabilia.
Some of the most fascinating relics were the letters and notes hand written by band members that were scattered behind glass cases. Pictured below is a letter from Kurt Cobain to his quasi-manager Tam Ohrmund and the bands itinerary for their 1989 summer tour.
After witnessing Nirvana, we were offered the opportunity to create our own music video.
Annette: “YES.”
Pete: “No way.”
I proceeded to force my husband to partake in an experience that mortified him and made me pee my pants with laughter. He knows that when we are 80, these are the memories that we will be sharing at the senior center. Justified.
We created a grunge band, The Winos, and rocked on stage to “I Love Rock and Roll.”
He has pleaded with me to not show the video. I am a bad listener.
The tickets are a steal at 60 bucks a pop. It is sure to be a sold-out show
I have been to many museums in my lifetime, but not many as impressive as EMP in Seattle. The exhibitions were well thought out, perfectly executed and informative, as well as entertaining.
And they made me a rock star. At least for 2 minutes and 32 seconds.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Related
Seattle Bucket List: 50+ Fun Things to Do in Washington’s Emerald City
Eat the Best Clam Chowder in Seattle
Explore Seattle’s Underground on a Pioneer Square Tour
Eat Duck Gizzards & Beef Tongue in Seattle
Make a Contribution to the Seattle Gum Wall
Start a Grunge Band at EMP in Seattle
9 Non-Fishy Things at Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle
Seattle Gum Wall: The Weirdest Alley Attraction
Awesome adventure. Looks like you made the most out of already cool city :-)
It was my first time there and one of the cities that I HAVE to go back to. I loved Seattle!
This is brilliant – I'd love to make my own music video!
I’m not sure about brilliant ;) But, it was so much fun!
That's a pretty incredible museum. I love the wall of guitars.
I was completely impressed with the quality of the exhibits.