Seattle is a geek's dream city. With a growing comic book convention, the Penny Arcade Expo, a con for geek girls, and museums like the Pacific Science Center, Seattle has something for every geek. But the most geektastic venue in Seattle is the music, science fiction, and pop culture museum Experience Music Project (EMP).
This month, EMP is debuting one of its most eye-popping exhibits, Icons of Science Fiction. I have been anticipating it for some time, so I made plans to go to the opening night party – and I wasn't disappointed. The collection is packed with artifacts and props from some of everyone's favorite sci-fi movies and television shows. Fans of Star Trek flocked to Uhura's uniform and Captain Kirk's chair from the original series.
I was particularly moved by standing so close to Christopher Reeve's suit from Superman IV, along with the model of the spaceship that brought baby Kal-El to Earth. Other must-see props include Neo's coat from The Matrix Reloaded, a Dalek from the Doctor Who episode "Remembrance of the Daleks," an original concept illustration from Ralph McQuarrie, and Yoda's walking stick. Film props dominate the exhibit, but EMP also pays homage to notable authors who left their marks on the worlds of science fiction. (EMP is also the permanent home of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.)
EMP Curator Brooks Peck talked to the crowd on opening night about his inspiration for Icons of Science Fiction. He told opening night attendees that they had lost their ways as geeks, asking, "When was the last time you told your bus driver to live long and prosper?" He went on, "It's time to renew your commitment to science fiction." His recommended first stop was the Icons of Science Fiction. "If you do this... you'll help save science fiction, you'll help save yourselves, and you'll help save the world."
EMP is also the current stop of the traveling Avatar: The Exhibition as well as Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film. I have to admit, I was too much of a wimp to even open the doors to the horror film hall, but I saw smiles on the faces of everyone who exited. The Avatar display was more up my alley. The film props and art are fun to see in person, and the interactive motion capture booth is nothing short of amazing.
Experience Music Project dedicates the other half of the museum to music, featuring prominent Seattle bands and musicians, as well as other legends of rock 'n roll. Prices for admission at the box office are $20 for adults and $14 for children, although there is a discount for buying tickets online. If you're a fan of science fiction movies and television shows, standing so close to Commander Data's uniform that you can see every bump and thread is well worth the price of admission. If you're a geek living in or visiting Seattle, I happily suggest visiting some of your favorite Icons of Science Fiction at the Experience Music Project museum.
