Aug 27, 2024 – May 2, 2025: In August 2024, Dr. David Ikard, Vanderbilt Professor of African American Diaspora Studies, launched Black Music, Black Life, a 30-piece exhibition exploring the deep connection between African American life and musical expression.
Jun 7 – Aug 20, 2024: An exhibition highlighting moments from the first Black Music Month celebration through Ron St. Claire’s photography, capturing history, music, and culture at the White House in 1979.
Feb 1 – May 31, 2024: Explore the Eugene Carrier Collection, featuring 46 B.B. King tour posters and a glimpse into the legendary pianist’s decade-long journey with the King Orchestra
Oct 12, 2023 – Jan 25, 2024: Atlanta native Shannon McCollum, celebrated for documenting the city’s rise in mainstream hip hop over the past 25 years, contributed striking images and interpretations to the This Is Hip Hop exhibit.
Jul 6 – Oct 5, 2023: The This Is Hip Hop: East Coast exhibition showcased André Leroy Davis’ iconic illustrations, highlighting his work for The Source, album art, and Hip Hop visual culture.
Apr 6 – Jun 29, 2023: The This Is Hip Hop: West Coast exhibition featured Traci Bartlow’s photographs from the 1990s, showcasing Bay Area Hip Hop through concerts, portraits, and iconic moments that shaped the region’s legacy.
Jan 19 – Mar 30, 2023: The This Is Hip Hop: Midwest exhibition showcased Raymond Boyd’s iconic 1980s photographs of Hip Hop artists touring the Midwest, accompanied by his in-depth interpretations and a special Q&A
Sept 23 – Nov 30, 2022: The Boundless: The Manifestation of Self Expression exhibition showcased 33 vibrant works by George Clinton, highlighting the eclectic artistry and visual genius of the Prime Minister of Funk.
Sept 8 – Oct 14, 2022: Breland’s Cross Country exhibition featured 14 unique artworks by BIPOC artists, each inspired by a track from Breland’s debut album, blending music and visual storytelling.
Jun 6 – Dec 24, 2025: Our Uncovering Roots: The War And Treaty exhibition celebrated Michael and Tonya Trotter with four iconic stage and promotional outfits, paired with the music that inspired each look.
Apr 26 – May 20, 2025: The Uncovering Roots: Valerie June exhibition showcased the artist’s performance outfits, notable albums, and celebrated her unique blend of folk, gospel, soul, and blues.
Jan 20 – Apr 19, 2025: The Living Legends: Shannon Sanders exhibition honored the Nashville icon’s legacy, showcasing his GRAMMY, Emmy, and Dove Award–winning contributions to music and culture.
Apr 5 – Sept 9, 2024: The Uncovering Roots: Allison Russell exhibition highlighted the GRAMMY-winning artist’s journey through Folk, Bluegrass, and Country with objects marking milestones in her career.
Jan 20 – Mar 29, 2024: The Living Legends: Lorenzo Washington exhibition honored the Jefferson Street Sound Museum founder, showcasing artifacts that preserved Nashville’s Jazz, Soul, and R&B history from the 1940s–70s.
Nov 16, 2023 – Jan 8, 2024: The State of Hip Hop exhibition showcased three decades of Nashville Hip Hop through artifacts, media coverage, and highlights from producers like Street Symphony and R.A.P. Ferreira.
Sept 7 – Nov 9, 2023: We celebrated James Brown’s legacy with The James Brown Exhibit, showcasing his music, style, and social impact as the Godfather of Soul.
Jun 19 – Aug 31, 2023: We honored Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands, celebrating their century-long legacy and Grammy-winning contributions to music.
Apr 16 – Jun 12, 2023: We celebrated New Edition’s 40th anniversary with an exhibit featuring their iconic tour attire and honoring their four-decade impact on R&B and pop music.
Jan 15 – Apr 9, 2023: We honored gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones with a Living Legends exhibition highlighting his four-decade career as host of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, his Grammy-winning music, and his lasting impact as an educator, broadcaster, and faith leader.
Sept 27 – Dec 27, 2022: In September 2022, we celebrated Hip-Hop icon Lil Wayne on his 40th birthday with a special exhibit showcasing over 25 personal artifacts. From his early days with the Hot Boy$ to Grammy-winning Tha Carter III, visitors explored his wardrobe, awards, platinum singles, and handwritten letters, gaining an intimate look at his groundbreaking career and enduring influence on Hip-Hop culture.
Jul 19 – Current: On July 19, 2025, NMAAM honored Emmy-winning puppeteer and producer Megan Piphus. The exhibit featured her Sesame Street legacy, live performances, reflections on her career, and newly donated artifacts—including one of her beloved puppet friends.
Feb 22 – Jul 18: R&B star Rodriquez “Jacquees” Broadnax returned to Nashville for the premiere of his documentary Call Me Que and to donate his 2023 tour flight suit and personal artifacts to the National Museum of African American Music.
Nov 12, 2024 – Feb 15, 2025: On November 12, 2024, Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Bridges returned to Music City for a highly anticipated three-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium. In celebration of this milestone, Bridges and his team generously donated a Tobacco Burst Gibson J-45 guitar—used during the creation and promotion of his latest album, Leon, released on October 4, 2024. The donation also includes a signed vinyl copy of the album, now part of the museum’s collection.
Sept 7 – Nov 5, 2024: In September 2024, the National Museum of African American Music received a special donation from the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama. The gifted items—including a signed Spirit of the Century CD, Echoes of the South LP, a performance suit, and signature drumsticks—honor the group’s groundbreaking legacy in gospel and soul music.