February 19, 2011 - Roots and Branches

Towering inside of the Experience Music Project is "If VI were IX: Roots and Branches" by Trimpin, a working artwork consisting of over 500 musical instruments.  Robotic arms coordinated by computer pick strings of numerous instruments within the work to create a continuous soundscape composed by the artist.

One of the exhibits, "Guitar Gallery: Quest for Volume" traces the evolution of the guitar from 1770 to today through more than 50 extremely rare guitars including (from left to right) a 1959 Fender Jazzmaster, a 1955 Gretsch 6120 and a 1957 Fender Flying V Prototype.

The Experience Music Project - Museum of Music, Sci-Fi and Pop Culture - is housed in a 140,000 square foot near the base of the Space Needle at Seattle Center.  The unique building, designed by Frank O. Gearhy, was inspired by his use of the pieces he had cut out of several electric guitars.  Local firm LMN Architects was the Associate Architect on the project.

Current exhibits include: "Guitar Gallery: Quest for Volume" and "Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound" and "Battlestar Gallactica: The Exhibition".  There is also an interactive Sound Lab in which one can be guided through an exploration of the tools of rock.  Coming in April is "Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses".  In June, "Avatar: The Exhibition" will open.

The founder of EMP, Paul Allen, is a huge fan of rock and roll and of science fiction.  His collection of rock and roll memorabilia, including that of Seattle's Jimi Hendrix, led to the creation of EMP. Over 4.5 million people have come through the EMP since it opened in 2000.