Next week, between cramming for finals and stuffing moving boxes, set aside a few hours to take a ride on a magic bus.

The Experience Music Project’s (EMP) touring rock ‘n’ roll exhibit-the Electric Bus-will park at Gateway Mall May 8-11. This traveling museum is interactive, full of intriguing, eclectic exhibits and absolutely free.

EMP opened a huge interactive rock ‘n’ roll museum last year in Seattle. The Electric Bus is an extension of EMP’s effort to bring music to the people, and it’s not a small undertaking.

The “bus” is really a converted 18-wheeler that branches out into tents and a trailer-10,000 square feet of “bus.”

The bus is divided into thematic areas full of intriguing information and fun activities.

The Origins area explores the history of rock, including its roots in gospel, jazz and blues. An area called Impact has information about how music affects listeners’ lives.

The Artists and Artifacts section contains items like smashed guitars and original lyric sheets from artists like Kurt Cobain, Chuck D., Jimi Hendrix and Kate Bush.

Finally, the Song Lab offers an opportunity to peek into the world of songwriting. Instructors will be on hand to guide the audience through a songwriting lesson.

St. Louis is the eighth stop on the Electric Bus’ tour. Singer and songwriter Moby boarded the bus in California and gave it rave reviews after spending over two hours meandering through the exhibit.

The Electric Bus will be open from 9am until 7pm except on May 8 when it opens at 1 p.m. For more information about the Experience Music Project and the Electric Bus, visit www.emplive.com.