Seattle’s New ‘Needle’ and Music Museum

There are big doings around Seattle’s Space Needle, which last week debuted a $20-million refurbishment. On Friday a museum of American popular music, designed by Frank Gehry, architect of the Walt Disney Concert Hall under construction in Los Angeles, opens nearby in Space Center.

The Space Needle, part of the 1962 World’s Fair, has added a two-story glass-enclosed entry level and a SkyCity restaurant at the top (replacing the Emerald Suite and Space Needle restaurants). The Observation Deck store was moved to the entry level. The result: an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city without having to go onto the outside platform. Admission prices went up June 5, from $9 to $11 for adults and from $4 to $5 ages 5 to 12 (under 5 is free). Telephone (800) 937-9582.

The new music museum, called the Experience Music Project, will display more than 1,200 items, from a feather boa worn by singer Janis Joplin in the 1970s to shoes once owned by rapper Notorious B.I.G. One gallery is devoted to Jimi Hendrix memorabilia collected by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the museum’s founder. There are also interactive exhibits and a sound studio, plus performance areas. Gehry’s striking building is clad in stainless steel and painted aluminum shingles. Open daily 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $19.95 adults, $14.95 ages 7-12, free under 7. Tel. (206) 770-2700.