The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame Celebrates 20 Years With a New Exhibit

Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, previously the EMP Museum, has been home to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame since 2004. Prior to its relocation to Seattle, the SFF Hall of Fame was founded in 1996 at the University of Kansas, which makes this year the 20th anniversary of the honoring science fiction and fantasy creators who have made an impact on popular culture.

This month the Hall of Fame gets its own permanent exhibit at MoPop and is honoring not just creators but specific creations. In 2017, specific works including Blade Runner, Dungeons & Dragons, Wonder Woman, and more are being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

It wouldn’t be MoPop without some incredible props and artifacts in the exhibit, and the new SFF Hall of Fame delivers that and more. If you have a chance to visit the Hall of Fame the next time you’re in Seattle, you’ll be in the same room as Luke Skywalker’s severed hand, the Staff of Ra from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a dress worn by Sean Young in Blade Runner, and more.

The focus isn’t just on the props, says MoPop Senior Curator Jacob McMurray, but on the impacts the honorees had on popular culture and visitors’ own lives. You’ll almost feel like you’re walking through a hall of your own memories when you see a Ringwraith’s battered sword or Indiana Jone’s familiar fedora.

You’ll also see letters and priceless objects from some of your favorite authors, from a personal letter by James Tiptree Jr. (Alice Sheldon) to the typewriter used by Isaac Asimov.

Each year, creators are nominated by the public and chosen by a panel of science fiction and fantasy authors, editors, and professionals.

The next time one of your family trips brings you to Seattle, take the kids to MoPop to introduce them to some of your favorite creators, and show them a piece of science fiction and fantasy history.

All Photos: Kelly Knox

GeekMom attended a press preview of the exhibit.