Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum

What I'd heard: Beautiful architecture or the worst thing you've ever seen, based on the look of the outside. The cost of the ticket and the tour was too high for what's inside.

What I found: A high-tech building with the shape of boiling water. Inside it's filled with colors, sounds, exhibits, history, instruments and interactive elements. Because of all that, I think it should be called Seattle's Music and Entertainment Museum.

What I liked (and didn't): Seattle has a cool music history of jazz, grunge, garage, rock, hip-hop and heavy metal. My friends and I were able to test instruments and play together as a band would. But the directions for what to do and where to go in the museum are horrible and confusing. I rented a MEG (Museum Exhibit Guide) that an employee didn't explain well; my girlfriend had to show me how to use it. But I do recommend getting one; as I listened, it made each exhibit more thought-provoking and interesting.

What surprised me: An awesome thing is that the actual artists tell some of the stories on the MEG. I hadn't known much about some of Seattle's music history, such as the Northwest Metalfest or Seattle's Battle of the Bands events, and now I do.

See for yourself : EMP|SFM at Seattle Center, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; $12-$15; 206-367-5483 or www.empsfm.org