A Trip To Seattle’s Selfie Museum Poses A Boost To Self-Confidence
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BY TALI CALLES
The night before a recent visit to Seattle, I began researching unique and fun poses in preparation for my upcoming trip to the Instagram-friendly concept of an art exhibit: the Seattle Selfie Museum.
(In a note on its website about COVID-19, staff say the museum is closed until at least March 31 due to cornonavirus and public health concerns. According to the museum: “We are monitoring the evolving situation closely and will announce any further operational changes through our regular channels, including our website and social media.” )
The original Selfie Museum began in Denver, Colorado, but its owners came to the West Coast with over 20 installations, featuring a washing machine, a banana swing and a mirrored room with glowing spheres.
Upon scouring their website in search of tickets, I noticed the importance of buying them in advance; sold-out weekends are no joke with this place.
Tali Calles ‘colors’ on a drawing book art installation at Seattle Selfie Museum.
On weekdays, adult tickets are $29, and $34 on weekends. Kids ages 5-12 are $22. Kids 4 and under are free.
The Seattle museum, at 92 Union Street, is tucked in an alley near Pike Place Market, just past the infamous Seattle Gum Wall.
Once finding it, visitors will enter a small lobby leading to eccentric installations and flashy colors on every corner. After giving the front-desk your name, staff will stamp your hand and advise visitors of three important rules: have fun, take lots of pictures and don’t break anything.
Ascending a staircase, visitors may notice striking installations such as a bathtub with rubber ducks inside a ball pit. They may also notice heaps of people surrounding every installation watching others begin their amateur photo shoots.
Attendees may initially feel a bit uncomfortable and awkward posing for pictures while strangers glance at them. I did. But after awhile, you’ll realize everyone is doing the Exact. Same. Thing.
Jubilee Calles is immersed in the bathtub art installation at the Seattle Selfie Museum.
With my confidence regained, I went through each installation with a growing send of ease, taking pictures and interacting with others who were vying for that perfect pose.
I left the photo-friendly space after two hours of exploring and an overflowing camera roll. (Attendees are only supposed to stay for an hour to allow for more people to enter, but no employees enforced that rule.)
Some controversy surrounds the Selfie Museum, as it defies what a typical museum is. People argue that it shouldn’t be called a museum, and is simply an attraction where people can take pictures.
With a five-star rating on Yelp, visitors rave about the friendly staff and innovative backdrops.
People may say it’s an overpriced novelty attraction, but I experienced it as a worthwhile one-time fun outing.
Making the trip boosted my confidence by posing with several art installations. Though between having to deal with the crowds and higher prices on weekends, it may be awhile before I return to snap pics again.
Tali Calles is a student in WSU’s Murrow College of Communication and an experiential learner with NWPB for the spring 2020 semester.
