Nashville has long been regarded as the capital of music. Even though there’s a wide variety of genres in its background, the city’s music reputation can be attributed to African Americans’ influences.
Now there is a monumental attraction that pays homage to Black musical artists’ contributions as the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has officially opened its doors. NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.
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Located in downtown Nashville, the 56,000-square-foot museum features more than 50 music genres and styles created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans, including spirituals, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip hop.
There are more than 1,500 artifacts, objects, memorabilia, and clothing in the museum. Each of the museum’s seven galleries is designed to share a different narrative and a unique perspective on African American music and history.
“We have been preparing for this day for more than 20 years, but this museum has actually been more than 400 years in the making,” said NMAAM president and CEO H. Beecher Hicks III in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming music lovers from around the world to this magnificent cultural experience. We also want to thank the thousands of people who have supported us along the way as we prepare to celebrate the history of African American music, which truly is the soundtrack of our nation.”
During the ongoing health crisis, the museum is limiting visitors to weekends only. Masks or face coverings are required for entrance.
Tickets are available for purchase on the museum’s website for designated timeslots. The pricing is $24.95 for adult general admission, $18.75 for students and teachers with ID and senior citizens, $13.50 for museum guests ages 7–17, and free for visitors 6 years old and under.