Featured image: The bridge of the original USS Enterprise on display at the Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit (photo by Cheryl Landes)

When Star Trek first aired on NBC in 1966, it received moderate ratings. Over the years, its message of hope for a better world free of war, racism, and politics attracted a loyal following, along with inspiring imagination, creativity, and exploration.

The Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle (formerly EMP, the Experience Music Project) celebrates the show’s 50^th anniversary with more than 100 props and artifacts used in filming each series. The collection contains costumes worn by the actors, ship models used in filming, weapons, the original console from the first USS Enterprise, and video clips from popular episodes.

Look inside the bridge where Captain James Kirk, played by William Shatner, commanded the USS Enterprise in the original series.

Pose for a photo in a Borg chamber. (Don’t worry—you won’t be assimilated!)

The Borg chamber (photo by Cheryl Landes)

While you’re here, try the interactive stations. Test your acting skills by comparing your best Kahn yell with Captain Kirk’s version in a booth across from the bridge. Not only can you hear it, but you’ll also see your emotions in a video projection.

Crawl through a Jeffries tube.

The Jeffries tube (photo by Cheryl Landes)

Discover what it’s like to beam yourself to another galaxy in the transporter room.

And don’t miss the Tribbles. They’re not causing mischief here, because they’re enclosed in a display case.

What Tribbles look like when they’re not being mischievous (photo by Cheryl Landes)

Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds is open during MoPOP’s regular hours. An additional fee is charged for entry to the exhibit (view admission fees).

MoPOP is located at 325 5th Avenue N at the Seattle Center (view directions and parking options). Several buses and the Monorail stop at the Seattle Center. For more information, visit the museum’s website or call (206) 770-2700.