Fourth appointment dedicated to discovering directors, museum managers and avid collectors of the ‘dear old’ Rock in all its sonic manifestations. The first interview was with Rolando Giambelli, creator and director of the Beatles Museum in Brescia (here). The second interview was with Tiziano Gerli, curator of the Clash City Rockers Cafè, a museum dedicated to the Clash and their world (here). The third interview was with Mariano Freschi, founder of the MADE IN ROCK association, a passionate collector of hundreds of basses, guitars, amplifiers used by the Kinks, Kiss, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, among others, memorabilia of all kinds, posters and many other gadgets that literally build the History, with a capital letter, of Rock (here). Now I move virtually to the United States to interview Jacob McMurray, Director of Curatorial Affairs at MoPOP – Museum Of Pop Culture in Seattle. As soon as you have read the interview take a trip to the museum’s website, you will be speechless at the amount of information you will find.
Here you can find the Italian Translation
When was the MoPOP founded and why?
The idea for the museum came about in the early 1990s with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s love for the music of Jimi Hendrix. The Jimi Hendrix Museum concept expanded to include popular music in general, and the institution, renamed Experience Music Project, opening in June of 2000. In 2004, we added a Science Fiction Museum into the mix, and in late 2016 we changed our name to Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), to more fully reflect the content that we present.
Our mission is to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities.
Where is it?
The Museum of Pop Culture is located at the heart of the Seattle Center in downtown Seattle. We’re located right under the Space Needle.
What collections does the MoPOP have?
MoPOP has over 80,000 artifacts covering music, film, television, gaming, fashion, and more. We are continually growing our collection to reflect the ever-changing landscape of pop culture.
What can you do at the MoPOP?
With its dynamic exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging activities, guests can walk through awe-inspiring galleries showcasing iconic artifacts from legendary musicians, dive into the history of sci-fi and fantasy in film, or even try their hand at creating their own music in state-of-the-art recording studios. The museum’s innovative and dynamic displays make every visit a unique and personalized experience.
Is it possible to do research at the MoPOP?
While we do not have a dedicated research facility, there are several opportunities for our audience to learn more about the collection. First off, we recently launched an Online Collections Vault, which currently features over 1500 artifacts (more every week!), which our community can access at https://www.mopop.org//collection/. In the Online Collections Vault, you can see images, watch oral histories, and read short essays on material in our collection across several subjects. Beyond the online collection, we do work with researchers and scholars with deeper questions around artifacts in the collection. Just send us a message at CollectionsInquiries@MoPOP.org to get started.
Is the MoPOP on social media?
Yes! Fans can connect with MoPOP through Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
What is your relationship with the USA government?
We engage with governmental leaders on a national, regional, and local level, as we have local, regional, and national reach. We are however, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization.
Is the MoPOP open to external collaborations with institutions, associations, research centers?
Yes. We regularly work with other institutions, loaning objects, collaborating on exhibitions, and sharing information. We are an active part of the worldwide museum industry.
Do you have any projects or exhibitions in progress?
MoPOP is currently hosting Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA. The exhibition is an in-depth look at the creativity, artistry, and innovation that make the studio a global leader in stop motion animation. Visitors are immersed in the “hidden worlds” of LAIKA — both the magical settings the characters inhabit and the behind-the-scenes wonders of producing these modern classics.
As for future projects, MoPOP isn’t quite ready to share those just yet. We encourage fans to check back in and stay in touch with us on social media when we announce new exhibitions and programs!
Link: MoPOP – Museum of Pop Culture Home Page
Link: MoPOP – Museum Of Pop Culture Facebook Page
Link: MoPOP – Museum Of Pop Culture Twitter Profile
Link: MoPOP – Museum Of Pop Culture Instagram Profile
