We asked listeners to tell us about the most absurd building in their city or neighborhood. Barbara picked the Frank Gehry-designed Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington: “[It] looks a giant creature ran amok in a used car lot and then swept up all of the damaged cars and left them in a pile."

The 140,000-square-foot building opened its doors to the public in 2000. When drafting his initial design, Gehry — a classical music lover — had to trade in his Bach for Hendrix. He bought and broke down several guitars, using the pieces as building blocks for the EMP's early model. The exterior incorporates the vibrant red and blues hues of electric guitars.

3,000 panels of stainless steel and painted aluminum make up the exterior of the building, each individually cut and shaped. The design, which fused textures and colors, is meant to symbolize the energy and fluidity of music.

The exhibitions and educational programs at the EMP focus on contemporary popular music and the culture that surrounds it.

Designed by the artist Trimpin, the installation "IF VI WAS IX: Roots and Branches" uses more than 500 musical instruments. 

The EMP as seen from its iconic neighbor, the Seattle Space Needle.