2/21, Sunday. I don't remember ever visited MOPOP, now open Fri-Sun only, with advanced ticketing. I received a free annual pass from Chase, was wondering how to use it. So I showed the pass to the gatekeeper at its 5th ave "east" entrance. He waved me in, to the line in front of the ticket counter. At my turn, the ticket agent complained that I should be using the current digital pass. The physical pass is for 2020 and older. But due to COVID, it's honored in 2021. I also told him I don't use GooglePay. He grunted, asked if just myself? I don't know if I could bring anyone. Then he issued me a sticker for some discount in the shop, and a touch pointer. Off I went. This photo is the main entrance, which is closed right now.
This tower of guitar is a centerpiece. Quite striking. Next to it is a room with guitars owned by various artists from 50s to now, with a small bio of each. A diagram of guitar's component. A list of recent models, and their famous users. I, not a pop song lover, had never heard of any of those.
Jimmy Hendrix and Kurt Cobane each has his own room here. Historical letters, photos, posters, and guitars. Pearl Jam occupies a larger section on the 3rd floor. I'm more interested in this staircase leading to the exhibit area. I also like the main hall: empty with a few cushion benches and a giant screen, even though I didn't care for what's playing on the screen.
There's a horro space (down one floor, with photos of screaming faces filled the wall along the stairs), and a fantasy land (small). MineCraft occupies an entire floor, and plenty stations that you can play it. There's a separate video game room which you can try various games.
The current "temporary" exhibit is on tattoo. I'm surprised to see the percentage of adults who have tattoos. I know very few people who have them. Maybe 10%. I guess my world view is very skewed.
As for COVID precautions: many automatic hand-sanitizer dispensers, exhibition rooms with capacity numbers posted (but not enforced, usually twice as many as allowed), a foot puller at the bottom of the bathroom doors, drinking fountain shut-off. I got very thirsty while inside.
