Exhibit Opening Reception and Ribbon Cutting

Overview

Join us on Monday, May 5, at 4:30 p.m. for a reception celebrating the opening of our newest exhibit, Music America: Iconic Objects From America’s Music History. This event is being held in partnership with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce as a Deluxe Ribbon Cutting, so all local Chamber members along with the entire community are invited to attend.

Music America will contain nearly 100 objects representing the best of American music, telling the story of how music has informed, interpreted, and inspired our national identity since it was founded nearly two-and-a-half centuries ago. The exhibit was curated by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music (BSACAM) at Monmouth University is West Long Beach, New Jersey, and will be on display in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the George Bush Presidential Library & Museum until January 5, 2026.

This exhibit features legendary artifacts from artists such as Johnny Cash, Sam Cooke, Chuck D, Woody Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Tupac Shakur, and more.

Specific artifacts include: a late 18th century hymnal, Bob Dylan’s harmonica, Ella Fitzgerald’s cabaret card, Leonard Bernstein’s outfit and baton, and iconic clothing from Elvis Presley and Lady Gaga. Along with interactive audio recordings from throughout history, the numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts demonstrate the depth, breadth, and great productivity of American musicians.

The exhibit opening reception and ribbon cutting ceremony is free to attend but reservations are strongly encouraged.