Music lovers have yet another reason to visit Nashville, as the National Museum of African American Music is preparing to launch in January 2021.
It’s no overstatement to say that African American music has changed the world. From gospel to jazz, R&B to hip-hop, funk to rap, house to techno, and soul and more, its influence stretches worldwide, bends genres, and transcends cultures. It serves as the backbone of our music landscape. Given its particular significance in American history and culture, it’s fitting to have a place to honor the music and the musicians who shaped it when the National Museum of African American Music opens in Nashville.
Over 20 years in the making, the museum is noted as the only one dedicated solely to educating, preserving, and celebrating the influence African Americans have had on music. It will trace black music traditions from the 1600s to the present day, with more than 50 genres and sub-genres represented across six permanent galleries, alongside a 200-seat theater venue and a rotating gallery.
“This museum is a unique place that tells a special story. Our hope is that no matter your age, race, or preferred music genre, within this museum you can find something that stirs your soul, pleases your ears, and moves your feet,” said H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM’s president and CEO.
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville on 7th Avenue, the museum is gearing up for its official opening in January 2021. A socially distanced ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for the 18th, with members-only tours occurring on the 23rd and 24th. The facility will then welcome the public on January 30th. Advance tickets can be purchased here, with admission prices ranging from $13.50 (£10) to $24.95 (£19). Children six and under can enter for free. Tickets will be sold in designated time slots, and social distancing measures will be in place.
This article was originally published June 2020. It was updated December 2020.
