Getting ready forMOPOP, the Museum of Pop Culture.
Seattle's pop culture museum at Seattle Center, with child-sized noise cancelling headphones and sensory bags to borrow, sensory rating sheets for each exhibition, and a Sensory-Friendly Day with lowered sound and lighting.
“Child-sized noise cancelling headphones and sensory bags are available at our main ticketing desk at the West Entrance”
“Sensory bags contain noise cancelling headphones and fidget tools”
“A piece of identification must be left with the Visitor Service Representative for the loan. Adult and child sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of headphones is limited.”
“Enjoy a full day at MOPOP with lowered light and sound levels, and an overall lower sensory environment.” mopop.org (Sensory-Friendly Day)
The sensory rating sheets, by SensoryAccess.org, rate each exhibition from 0 (no impact) to 5 (very high impact) for visuals, sound, scent, touch and movement during regular museum hours. A separate stimulation map, color-coded by area, is only for Sensory-Friendly Programs.
Caregivers who are accompanying a guest to assist them with their visit may receive complimentary admission: ask at the onsite ticket counter.
For other accessibility needs, email info@mopop.org. For Sensory-Friendly Programs, email Education@MOPOP.org.
MOPOP says to give yourself at least a few hours; you are welcome to stay as long as you like.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
a quiet room set aside for breaks
where first aid is
More about MOPOP
Louder, in the museum's words
Sky Church (sound rated 5 and visuals 4 out of 5: “Loud in most areas”; “Lighting can flash, shine in eyes, and strobe”)not stated
Sound Lab (sound rated 3.5 out of 5: “Loud in center area”; “Bright lighting”)not stated
Indie Game Revolution (sound rated 3.5 out of 5: lots of competing sounds overlapping, video game sounds and lots of people talking)not stated
Massive: The Power of Pop Culture (“First room is the loudest”; narrow at times, which leads to crowding)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Musicquiet zone
Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magicquiet zone
Sky Church, against the wall next to the steel towers or by the exit to the exhibitsquiet zone
Ticket prices change with museum capacity, seasonality and demand; pick a date on the ticket calendar to see them. Ticket dates are released on a rolling 60-day basis. Washington residents with an ID get 15% off museum admission (choose the WA Resident ticket). General admission and event tickets are not refundable; all sales are final.
Free and reduced entry: Museums for All (bring a current EBT or WIC card from any state to the admissions desk for free or reduced admission; questions to Community@MOPOP.org); a limited number of free library passes through the Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System; a $35 Culture Access Membership for low-income families; and caregiver admission as above.
You can come back in the same day: save your receipt or digital ticket to show at re-entry. Enter through the West Entrance, across from the Seattle Center Plaza Playground; entry is first come, first served.
Outside food and drink are not allowed, and food and drink aren't allowed in the galleries; they're allowed in public areas like the ticketing lobbies and stores. CULTURE KITCHEN sells meals.
Bags: small bags and backpacks may be allowed; leave large ones at home. Umbrellas aren't allowed in galleries, and coat check is currently closed. Balloons are not allowed. Shoes must be worn, except for a disability, medical condition or other protected reason.
Strollers: single strollers under 30 inches wide are allowed (umbrella strollers strongly encouraged, and only umbrella strollers in some exhibitions); double strollers and wagons are not. Stroller parking is throughout the museum.
Parking: the 5th Avenue North Garage at 516 Harrison Street, with 24 accessible stalls. Drop-off is at the turnaround at 5th Avenue N and Harrison, with a covered drop-off area inside that entrance. The Monorail runs from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center terminal next to MOPOP.
Family and all-gender single restrooms are throughout the museum, and every restroom has a changing table. Six elevators serve every level. Wheelchairs are at the West Entrance ticketing desk, first come, first served, with an ID left for the loan. All videos are captioned. Photos are fine without flash, tripods or selfie sticks. Service animals check in at the lower lobby information desk; pets and emotional support animals aren't allowed.
