The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum originally opened in 1967 in Nashville’s Music Row. The museum moved to its current location in downtown Nashville in 2001 and features three stories in more then 350,000 square feet of space. A mecca and a must visit for all country music lovers – the focus is on the music of course but also the history and stories of country music. The building itself represents country music – from the air looks like a bass clef and the top of the Country Music Hall of Fame section resembles the famous Nashville based radio station WSM’s Radio Tower.
Highlights include original clothing and other mementos from famous performers, the “circle will not be broken’ Hall of Fame room with bronze plaques representing Country Music Hall of Fame artists (the first members were inducted in 1961) and plenty of opportunities to hear old country music songs. The collection of musical content is impressive with over 250,000 song recordings, 500,000 photographs and more then 900 musical instruments.
Tours are self-guided and at one’s own pace. Most of the exhibits are permanently on display but a section of the museum also contains rotating exhibits – typically focusing on a single contemporary artist. And the Ford Theater seats some 750+ in the audience for live music and related events. The Taylor Swift Education Center hosts a variety of programs and classes throughout the year. A typical year often sees more then 1 million visitors. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: www.countrymusichalloffame.org
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