Happy Birthday to the Geekiest Place on Earth!

Seattle residents have known and loved the most unique building in the city, the Experience Music Project Museum, for a long time. Neighbors with the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center in the heart of Seattle, the EMP is celebrating its 15th birthday this week, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

This is a place that should go on any geek’s bucket list. Where else can you be a rock star, play a great collection of indie video games, and see the original costumes worn by the actors in Star Wars, a Dalek used on Doctor Who, Inigo Montoya’s sword, and many, many more memorable items from pop culture?

EMP Museum also highlights the Seattle music scene, with exhibits featuring Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, and a continued emphasis on up and coming artists in the city.

Local band Bleachbear kicked off this week’s EMP Birthday Bash, an open house celebrating 15 years by inviting all Seattle residents in for free. Seattle Seahawks’ SeaGals, Harry Potter, a Dalek, the TARDIS, Darth Vader, and more were also in attendance, highlighting the museum’s dedication to the culture of Seattle. “You have no idea what a big Star Wars fan I am,” I overheard one of the SeaGals say, proving that even Seattle’s pro football cheerleaders are nerds at heart.

A new exhibit opened recently as well, “The Animation of Chuck Jones,” with original artwork from animated favorites like “Duck Amuck,” Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

If your kids have ever wondered how cartoons are made, be sure to spend time in this exhibit to show them the brilliance and influence of Chuck Jones.

If you ever find yourself in Seattle, make time to visit the EMP Museum. You won’t find a better place to share some of your favorite characters from fantasy and science fiction with your kids, and feel like a kid again yourself.

GeekMom was invited to attend the EMP Birthday Bash.