This year marks a significant milestone for the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Initially known as the Experience Music Project, the museum opened its doors with a high-profile rock and roll event that garnered extensive media coverage from MTV.
The museum’s distinctive and colorful structure was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. It was a passion project of the late Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, who envisioned a space dedicated to modern music.
One of the enduringly popular features of MoPOP is the Sound Lab, which is aimed at encouraging individuals with no prior musical experience to learn how to sing and play instruments, including drums and guitar. Andrea Weatherhead, who led the design team for the Sound Lab, shared insights about the museum’s journey and its ongoing impact.
In an interview, Weatherhead discussed the museum’s evolution beyond its original focus on Jimi Hendrix. Originally, Allen had a vast collection of Hendrix artifacts and contemplated creating a museum solely dedicated to him. However, following guidance from Hendrix’s sister, the mission was broadened to encompass all of American popular music, emphasizing creativity and innovation in contemporary music.
The Sound Lab was conceived to provide visitors with a sense of instant success when interacting with musical instruments. Given the museum’s rock and roll theme, the design incorporated drums, keyboards, bass, guitar, and singing. The goal was to inspire participants to explore their musical interests further—be it through lessons, purchasing instruments, or forming bands.
Weatherhead recounted numerous positive stories from Sound Lab visitors. While observing how people engage with the exhibit, she expressed gratitude for the affirmation she received, noting that many individuals bought their first instruments after experiencing success in the Sound Lab.
Looking back on the opening weekend 25 years ago, Weatherhead shared a humorous anecdote. She vividly remembers the frenzy of the event, notably finding herself in an evening gown, fixing carpet tiles late into the night before the opening. With reporters arriving early, she had been working tirelessly since the early morning hours, creating an unforgettable memory amidst the chaos.
The museum attracted significant attention from various media outlets, and Weatherhead found herself conducting interviews for television and radio. She recalled the excitement that surrounded the project, hinting at its uniqueness and the fame of its founder.
On opening day, the Allens invited numerous celebrities, including Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, who personally toured the Sound Lab. Their enthusiastic engagement and positive feedback were particularly memorable for Weatherhead.
Weatherhead reflected on how the experience of opening the museum transformed her personally, stating that it greatly boosted her confidence. Turning 40 in the same summer that MoPOP opened marked a pivotal moment in her life. She described the accomplishment as a culmination of a lifetime’s work, as she dedicated herself to the project amid significant challenges.
The design team strived to integrate various technologies in ways that had never been done before in a museum setting. Weatherhead emphasized the technical challenges faced, such as ensuring guitars could be self-tuning to prevent tuning issues—a common hurdle for musicians. Additionally, they aimed to comply with ADA laws, ensuring accessibility while teaching visitors the complexities of music in a matter of minutes.
The 25th anniversary of MoPOP serves as a reminder of its impact on the local and broader music community. As it continues to inspire creativity and innovation, the museum remains a testament to the vision of Paul Allen and the dedicated work of individuals like Andrea Weatherhead, who helped shape its mission and success over the years.
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