EARLY CLOSURE ALERT: NMAAM's Roots Theater is closed all day today (9/18) and the museum closes early at 4 PM.
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VISIT NMAAM
The only museum in the United States devoted to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.
Discover the Legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers
From their roots at Fisk University to international acclaim, experience the story of resilience, artistry, and the music that carried a people’s voice across generations.
Lead Boldly
Join Robert F. Smith as he explores Dr. King’s timeless lessons on leadership—courage, conviction, and compassion—while sharing insights from his new book Lead Boldly.
9/27
Sat
ArtWay makes its Nashville debut at NMAAM! Experience America’s premier cultural art show featuring incredible artists, live DJ sets, and interactive art activations. This one-of-a-kind art experience includes curated craft […]
9/30
Tue
Join us for an inspiring evening at the National Museum of African American Music with Robert F. Smith, where we will reflect on the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther […]
10/1
Wed
Experience NMAAM without the cost on our special Free Admission Days, sponsored by our generous partner, Nissan. Free Wednesdays: Every first Wednesday of the month, enjoy complimentary access to the museum […]
10/1
Wed
Sounds in Cinema Every First Wednesday at 3:00 PM | Roots Theater Where film meets music history. Join us for curated documentary screenings that explore the intersection of African American […]
Through thoughtfully curated collections and immersive interactive technology, the museum invites you to explore how this music became the soundtrack of American life—and how the voices of the past continue to resonate today.
Explore the Rivers of Rhythm corridor, the central spine of the museum experience, featuring interactive timeline that links American history with the evolution of African American music traditions.
Delve into the history and influence of the blues, originating from the work songs and field hollers of sharecroppers and lumber mill workers in the Deep South and Mississippi Delta during the 19th century.
Experience the evolution of jazz, beginning with the survival of African indigenous musical traditions in Congo Square, New Orleans, and their influence on the emergence of jazz in the early 1900s.
“There’s something about the gospel blues that’s so deep the world can’t stand it.”
– SISTER ROSETTA THARP
EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHT
The History, Influence, and Survival of Religious Music
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is not just a cultural destination—it is a national institution that reframes how America understands its musical and cultural identity.
