Music Museums Across America – A Tourist’s Guide

As museums and public tourist attractions begin to re-open across the country [and as talks of a tourism stimulus package continue], let’s take a look at a few of the country’s go-to music museums that you can visit to help keep the arts alive and flourishing:

1. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland, Ohio

This month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is celebrating African-American Music Appreciation Month with a Funk and R&B Spotlight that features James Brown and more. The building is unique – an architectural stunner. 2020 Inductees to the museum include The Doobie Brothers and Whitney Houston. The building houses rare musical items, such as the signature “sparkle glove” worn by Michael Jackson. You won’t find this kind of extensive memorabilia collection anywhere else.

2. GRAMMY Museum – Los Angeles, California

L.A.’s GRAMMY Museum features both exhibits and educational programs. “The GRAMMY Museum seeks to educate and inspire all Museum visitors and members as to the enduring qualities and cultural significance of all genres of music.” Their exhibits are immersive and interactive. The GRAMMY museum also includes films and artifacts.

3. Motown Museum – Detroit, Michigan

Hitsville, U.S.A. – home of Motown Records, established by Berry Gordy in 1959. This is a truly historical site. Studio A, which visitors can stand inside of, is a recording space that was used by some of the greatest artists of the time, including the Supremes, Eddie Holland, Smokey Robinson, and the Temptations. Some of the equipment inside dates back to the 1960’s!

4. Museum of Pop Culture – Seattle, Washington

This funky museum, otherwise known as MoPOP, houses the world’s largest collection of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain memorabilia. This museum is not only about music, but about pop culture, as well. It houses book clubs, comedy camps, movies, and conferences. MoPOP currently features a Guitar Gallery of instruments played by Bob Dylan, Slash, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many more!

What other music museums should be featured on this list? Comment below!

Cover Photo:

@spencerimbrockphoto on unsplash.com