Located in the heart of Downtown Nashville at 510 Broadway Avenue, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is literally and figuratively in the center of Music City, USA. If you are a music fan, this place should be on your to-visit list. The museum opened in 2021 and is dedicated to telling the history of music from its African origins to today’s Hip-Hop.
There are more than 50 music genres and sub-genres created or inspired by African Americans. Each exhibit tells a different story on how the roots that were planted in Africa have come to spread across the world. The slave trade was abolished in the early 1800s and musical instruments and music created over 200 years ago still exist today. Some of those instrument artifacts are on display at the museum. This makes it as much a history museum as it is a music museum.
The Exhibits
Each exhibit is based on chronological order starting with the first Africans being brought over to America. Because this is a self-directed tour, it takes each visitor at their own pace through gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm and blues and finally Hip-Hop. The number of displays and opportunities to learn more about music is daunting. It could take more than one visit to really take it all in.
Wade in The Water
Gospel music has played a pivotal role in the African American experience that it is only fitting that it is the first exhibit. The must-see display is the old school church pews with stain glass windows. It gives the visitors the opportunity to sit down on the pew and imagine what it felt like to sit in an old school church house in the south.
Crossroads
There are artifacts on display in this exhibit from the late 1800s and post-slavery era. Visitors can try to see how it would have been like to play the Diddley Bow. It is a handmade instrument which was inspired by African craftmanship. According to the museum’s display, many bules musicians played the diddley bow as their first instrument during this period.
A Love Supreme
The must-see display in this jazz exhibit is everything. Museum employee Byron Harvey said that this is one of his favorites. He said the artifacts and history of music contained there are what makes it one of his favorites. A few recognizable names in the world with displays with personal artifacts are Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and Louie Armstrong.
One Nation Under A Groove
The Originals and Covers display show four examples of songs that were originally recorded by black artist, then covered by white artist. This was something that was commonplace. According to this display in 1950s mainstream radio would not play the original but would play the cover.
The Message
The Hip Hop display that must be watched from beginning to end is the mini video at the start of the exhibit. This music has been long misunderstood and to understand the importance and evolution is part of the African American music journey.
The Interactive Experiences
The Wristband
The first interactive opportunity comes with being instructed on how your wristband is not just a wristband. It is linked to the email address that you provided when you purchased the tickets and confirmed in the lobby before your tour started. As you walk through the museum, you can save songs to your wristband. That way you can make your own playlist when you get back home. Whatever you save on your wristband will be available for you for up to 60 days after your visit.
Dance Party
Dance to songs from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The last song gives you the chance to record and save it to your wristband. You can then see it and save it when you get home. It will be sent via email when ready for you to view.
Hip Hop Recording Studio
Another chance visitors can test their skill is by creating their own Hip-Hop beat. They also have a chance to rap over a beat in a recording booth like a real artist.
Roots & Streams Playlist
There are several opportunities to create personal playlists using the Roots & Streams kiosk. It allows visitors the chance to discover artists and their music through connections with another artist that you may not know. What you will quickly come to realize is that all musicians are influenced by each other in some shape form or fashion. This interactive activity could take an hour by itself if you are a true music lover. It is like creating a family tree, but with music artist instead of family members. The fun part is that you can save the music to your wristband and create a Spotify playlist.
If you go…
The estimated tour time is 90 minutes, but guests are encouraged to take as much time as they need. NMAAM is open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM Tuesday-Saturday and 12:00PM to 5:00PM Sunday and Monday. The gift shop is open seven days a week. There is public parking conveniently available in 6th and Broadway garage which is located directly behind the museum.
It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance. It is important to get there ahead of your purchased time so you can get your wristband and enjoy some of the music in the lobby. Tours start every half hour, so be sure to give yourself time, to avoid waiting until the next group. The tours are self-directed, and the museum utilizes timed tickets to manage capacity. This ensures each visitor has an opportunity to get the full experience without overcrowding. The best advice is to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. If you are driving, add 15 minutes to that time so you have adequate time to park. Parking in Nashville is not the best so it is not unusual to park and must walk 10 minutes to get to your destination.
The museum does not have a restaurant or serve food. That is not a problem because the museum is located near several restaurants that are within walking distance. NMAAM is family friendly and open to all ages. It is one of the few places in the area that has something for everyone.
Images courtesy of National Museum of African American Music
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