Guitar Gallery

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- MOPOP Permanent Collection

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Included in General Admission

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Included in General Admission

Guitar Gallery

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LET’S GET LOUD

With the advent of electric amplification in the 1930s, the guitar became a dominant presence in our musical landscape and, like the automobile, a symbol of American ingenuity and design. At MOPOP, the Guitar Gallery is a monument to that ingenuity, featuring an exploration of the instrument’s storied history, legendary guitars, and the iconic artists who wielded them.

Soundproof Rooms

Twelve acoustically isolated rooms known as studio pods, contain interactive devices, gear, and traditional instruments. Take a lesson, jam with others in the room, try out vocals, and learn about the art of mixing. Special reverberation technology lets you adjust the sound so it's as big as an amphitheater, or as intimate as a living room.

Trios

Each of the tall semi-enclosed structures on Sound Lab's main floor contains three interactive instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboard or drums. These instruments use sophisticated audio, computer graphics and MIDI to guide you through a variety of learning activities, whether it's learning to play "Louie Louie," or discovering what a 12-bar blues is. You can also choose to forego a lesson to play instruments on your own or with friends and family. Acoustically optimized dividers in each trio let you rock your socks off without disturbing anyone else.

The Big Drum

The heart of Sound Lab, The Big Drum recalls the early rhythms our ancestors played around the fire. You don't need any special skills to play it, other than the ones you'd bring to a conversation. Just listen and answer back.

Audio Technology Interactives

How do guitar players make such different sounds? Can an audio engineer really fix it in the mix? Technology has played a huge role in the creation of the sounds of rock 'n' roll, both behind the scenes in the recording studio and up on the bandstand. Find out more about the recording process, amps, samplers, effects pedals, and microphones.

DJ Hallway

In the hands of a skilled DJ, turntables can produce music that would have been impossible just a few short decades ago. Ever wonder how DJs make that scratching sound or move from one record to the next? Find out in DJ Hallway, situated in the back of Sound Lab.

Jam Studios

Check out the state-of-the-art Jam Studio where you can record your own song using drums, guitars, keyboards, and vocals, then download and share with your friends for free.

MOPOP Mood Music: Chris Cornell

Out front of the Museum of Pop Culture, you’ll find a statue of Seattle pop culture icon Chris Cornell, commissioned and donated by Vicky Cornell. In honor of Chris, we’ve put together a playlist on Spotify that represents our favorite tracks as well as those of our community.

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Currently Playing at Mopop

Press your finger to the pulse of a revolution with a playable look into twenty rotating titles from around the world and discover how independent gamers are redefining their industry.