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Get Tickets TodaySEATTLE - The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), is proud to present the Icons of Pop Culture Gala on October 22, 2026, a celebration of the artists, innovators, and icons whose creativity has defined generations and transformed popular culture.
The evening will honor legendary figures across film, fashion, gaming, and music, including the iconic hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa featuring the original DJ Spinderella as this year's Music Icon. Guests will experience a special live performance from the groundbreaking trio, whose influence helped shape generations of music, culture, and female empowerment. Their electrifying performance will celebrate a legacy of chart-topping hits, cultural impact, and enduring contributions to popular music.
“This gala celebrates the visionaries who don’t just reflect culture—they create it,” said Michele Y. Smith, CEO of MOPOP. “For 26 years, MOPOP has championed artists, innovators, and trailblazers who challenge conventions and inspire generations. We’re proud to honor their impact and bring together the icons who continue to shape the world around us.”
This year’s honorees include:
Guests are invited to celebrate alongside cultural icons, enjoy an unforgettable performance, and participate in the live auction in support of MOPOP’s mission to preserve and amplify the stories, art, and ideas that shape our world. Proceeds from the gala help fund the museum’s exhibitions, youth education programs such as Sound Off!, and community initiatives that empower emerging creators, expand access to arts education, and inspire the next generation of innovators.
The gala will be held at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle from 5 to 10 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Tickets are available at mopop.org/icons, with options including a gala table of 10 for $12,500, individual tickets for $1,250, and performance-only tickets for $250, which include bites and beverages.
ABOUT MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MOPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) is a cutting-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle, dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary pop culture. With a mission to activate the world-shaping power of pop culture through participative experiences, discovery, and play, MOPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through its collection, exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships. At MOPOP, artists, audiences, and ideas converge to bring understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the pop culture of our time. For more information, visit mopop.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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CONTACT:
Laura Rieder
laurar@mopop.org
