Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (SFM), the world’s first science fiction museum, opened to the public on June 18 in Seattle.

The opening day festivities began with a live national radio broadcast from the museum, hosted by Ira Flatow, and was concluded by a presentation by physicist, Lawrence Krauss, author of The Physics of Star Trek.

The 13,000sq ft SFM combines artefacts with information about a number of ‘alternative worlds’ and explores how science fiction reflects and comments on the human condition, promotes critical thinking and invites visitors to ponder the infinite possibilities of the universe.

Donna Shirley, director, said: “Science fiction is a dynamic and thought-provoking genre that engages the young and old alike.

“From physics and astronomy to biology and anthropology, science inspires science fiction and vice versa.”

Founded by philanthropist, Paul Allen, ESF’s advisory board includes a number of Hollywood luminaries, such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and James Cameron.