[Brian Nelson, Cnn Anchor:] Well, a three-day concert series helped win the new Experience Music Project museum called EMP some rave reviews.
[Andria Hall, Cnn Anchor:] Alternative music icons like Patti Smith and Joe Jackson toured the museum and mingled with visitors, while other stars worked their stuff on stage. CNN's Paul Vercammen brings us a closer look at the opening weekend excitement.
[Paul Vercammen, Cnn Correspondent:] An all-star lineup of acts including Metallica rocked Seattle as the city rolled out its new Experience Music Project. Even rock stars, known for their flash, are astounded by this museum designed by architect Frank Gehry.
[Beck, Musician:] I like that kind of fluid, free-forum architecture.
[Kirk Hammett, Metallica:] What the hell is it? It is like this big molten mass of titanium and I know it means something, I just haven't figured it out yet.
[Vercammen:] EMP showcases everything from Eddie Van Halen's modern-era guitar to the older instruments that struck the chords that would evolve into rock "n'roll. [on camera]: By all historical accounts, rock 'n" roll started out rather poor and low-tech, and now in the new millennium, a $250 million high-tech cathedral in Seattle. [voice-over]: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the world's richest Jimi Hendrix fanatic, funded EMP and a three-day series of concerts that ranged from Alanis Morissette to Filter.
[Richard Patrick, Filter:] Let's face it. This is the best museum money can buy, you know.
[Chris Bruce, Emp Curator:] We've been working on this thing for so long, to just see really the public come in and just enjoy it so much, I can't tell you how much it means to me.
[Unidentified Male:] Even if your music ability is limited to turning on the radio, it's not a problem.
[Vercammen:] The ultimate interactive exhibit, jam with your own band. Meet the whole family, Mom on keyboards.
[Unidentified Female:] It would be like if a real band would ask you to sit in with them and let you play. That's probably how you would feel.
[Vercammen:] The Experience Music Project fuels that desire to rock on.
[Unidentified Female:] Are you going to play some more shows in the area? Yes, we're touring the Northwest.
[Vercammen:] Paul Vercammen, CNN, Seattle.