I admit it, I'm something of a sci-fi geek. Stargate, Star Wars, Starman, Star Trek - I love them all. That's why I'm so excited that Seattle is home to the United States' only museum devoted exclusively to all things science fiction. The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, co-located with the Experience Music Project at Seattle Center, will explore different facets of science fiction. Museum visitors will explore the genre's history, creations, and ideas through compelling exhibits and interactive experiences. A long list of sci-fi professionals occupy the museum's advisory board, including Greg Bear, Ray Bradbury, Steven Spielberg, Freemon Dyson, Stanley Schmidt, and Dennis Muren.
The Science Fiction Museum's exhibits are presented in four different galleries, each with its own theme.
Homeworld
This set of exhibits looks at the "history and heritage" of science fiction. Homeworld experiences include:
- Science Fiction Hall of Fame
- Science Fiction Timeline - a look at science fiction ideas, milestones, events, and personalities over time
- Not So Weird Science - how science fiction inspires and reflects real world developments
- The Science Fiction Community - an examination of science fiction fans and professionals
- Science Fiction Confronts - a look at how science fiction confronts controversial subjects and presents alternate views
Fantastic Voyages
This gallery features the fantastic elements of science fiction, including the weird planets, speedy spaceships, and imaginative technologies. Visitors can experience the following exhibits:
- Spacedock - space vessels from TV, film, literature, and more
- Sci-fi Characters
- Tools and Technology - all kinds of gadgets, including phasers and tricorders
- Alternate Modes of Travel - time travel, wormholes, and other nonvehicular modes of travel
- Amazing Places
Brave New Worlds
This exhibit focuses on the ideas about culture and politics that have appeared in science fiction throughout the years. This includes:
- Cities of Tomorrow
- Experimental Societies
- Out of the Ashes
THEM!
Exhibits and experiences focus on the non-human characters that populate sci-fi, including aliens and androids. Exhibits and activities include:
- The Intergalactic Lounge
- Metal or Mortal - robots, androids and other forms of artificial beings
- Humanity Rev 2.0 - an interactive exhibit that allows you to experience life as an alien
- SETI Fiction and Fact
In addition to the exhibits and interactive experiences, the museum has a collection of hundreds of rare artifacts and memorabilia from a variety of sci-fi formats, including literature, television, film, and art. Highlights of the Science Fiction Museum's collection include:
- A large collection of rare first edition books and pulp magazines
- Models, costumes, and props from movies and television, including Star Trek and the Empire Strikes Back
- Original release science fiction movie posters
- Drawings and paintings featuring various visions of the future
The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is located at 325 5th Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, at the base of Seattle's Space Needle. The Sci-Fi Museum is co-located with Experience Music Project; one admission ticket gets you into both attractions.
