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Rep. Jayapal seeks national recognition for Seattle pop culture museum
The designation would allow MoPOP to continue educating both local visitors and tourists “about the rich history of pop culture in the United States,” she said.
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Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 09, May 2025
- 14:22 EDT
- 135
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Pramila Jayapal/ MoPOP / File Photo/ MoPOP
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced a resolution to officially recognize the Seattle based Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) as the National Museum of Pop Culture.
Jayapal is leading the effort alongside Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04). H.Res.1318 has received support from several other members of Washington’s congressional delegation.
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“I am so proud to lead this bipartisan bill to federally recognize MoPOP as the National Museum of Pop Culture,” said Jayapal. “MoPOP has been a cornerstone in celebrating the diverse culture and history of the arts regionally and globally. MoPOP and its incredible team undoubtedly deserve this recognition and title, allowing them to continue educating both local visitors and tourists about the rich history of pop culture in the United States.”
Founded in 2000 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, MoPOP began as the Experience Music Project and has since expanded to cover a broad spectrum of pop culture, including music, film, science fiction, fashion, and video games. The museum houses more than 85,000 artifacts and draws over 750,000 visitors annually.
If adopted, the resolution would give MoPOP an honorific national designation, similar to those granted to other cultural institutions, but would not include federal funding.
“MoPOP and its incredible team undoubtedly deserve this recognition and title, allowing them to continue educating both local visitors and tourists about the rich history of pop culture in the United States,” Jayapal said.
Newhouse, whose district spans central Washington described the museum as a long-standing success, stating, “Now in its 25th year of operation, it’s time to give MoPOP the national recognition it deserves.”
MoPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith welcomed the announcement. “We’re honored to take the next step toward national designation and grateful to Congresswoman Jayapal for her support,” Smith said. “This legislation affirms the vital role pop culture plays in shaping our collective memory.”
Other co-sponsors of the resolution include Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Emily Randall, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, Marilyn Strickland, and Michael Baumgartner, all from Washington state.
MoPOP reported 577,721 visitors in 2023 and noted a significant increase in participation through its Museums for All initiative, which provides free entry to low-income families. The museum’s leadership has positioned the national designation as a way to further its mission of preserving and showcasing the evolving story of American pop culture.
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