The brain child of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was originally intended as a shrine to local legend Jimi Hendrix, but mushroomed into a temple of all forms of modern music, encompassing rock, pop, rap, jazz, grunge, doo-wop, and everything in between. Visitors can read Hendrix's diaries or drool over his and others' guitars from Allen's personal collection; take a tour back through Seattle's pioneering rock history from The Kingsmen to Cobain; learn to play drums, guitars and keyboards -- or at least create a hell of a noise on them -- in sound-proofed booths; experience the sensation of performing live in the On Stage section, and more.

In all, EMP promises over 80,000 music history artifacts, six major sections, a variety of unique concert spaces, and a museum experience inlike any other.

Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
(Ticketing closes at 5:00 p.m., galleries open until 6:00 p.m.)

Admission:
$19.95 for adults (18 - 64), $15.95 for seniors and military (with I.D.), $15.95 for youths (13 - 17, with I.D.), $14.95 for children (7 - 12), and free for kids under 6. For more information, visit EMP's Web site at emplive.com.

Seattle City Guide

Location: Belltown/Denny Rgde.

Address:
325 5th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: 1.877.EMPLIVE