Though it’s a mouthful, this museum might be one of my favorites that I’ve ever visited. When going to Nashville, people are going to recommend tours of The Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and probably the Johnny Cash or Patsy Cline Museum (or both).
As someone who doesn’t enjoy country music, for the most part, I was only mildly interested in the Johnny Cash Museum and even the Music Hall of Fame. The price tags for both seemed higher than I was willing to pay – $25+ per person, so I decided to visit a different, one-of-a-kind museum, showcasing African American music.
Part of my reasoning was that Black people created what we know as soul, bluegrass, and country, so if be getting a much more authentic experience than that at just ONE of the other music museums. I wasn’t prepared for just how amazing this museum was though.
First of all, the NMAAM is on Broadway, or The Honky Tonk Highway. It’s literally like Bourbon Street, but every bar has live, and loud, country music that, literally, everyone knows. You’ll find honky tonks owned by Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Jon Bon Jovi, Dierks Bentley, and more, with drunk people spilling out onto the street. That’s absolutely not our vibe, but it’s something to experience at least once, even if you don’t go inside any of them to have overpriced mediocre food and drinks. I highly suggest Assembly Food Hall instead, or going somewhere else entirely.
This museum takes you from the roots of music during slavery, all the way to modern day hip hop and rap. You’ll see and learn about the most influential people in music history and then those that came before and influenced them. Did I know about Koko Taylor before I visited? No, I did not, but now I do and know she was awesome.
Throughout the museum are music stations where you can create your own songs, beats, or listen to Black artists through history, see who their contemporaries were, who were their inspirations, and who were inspired by them. You can save all these playlists and interactions by purchasing a $5 wristband that gives you access to most of these interactive elements, including doing a rap battle with a friend and dancing to music through the decades.
Do you want to see outfits from influential musicians like Tina Turner, LL Cool J, and Whitney Houston? Or instruments from people like Louis Armstrong? An actual Grammy belonging to Ella Fitzgerald? Or see a truly wild quote from Jimi Hendrix? This museum has all that and more.
Learn who Elvis watched and listened to for some of his best songs, like Hound Dog, and moves. I know many people say he stole everything from the Black community, but he was always forthcoming about his inspirations and giving credit for the community who allowed him to thrive in the industry.
We probably spent a good 3 hours here and could have spent longer. It’s not all feel good music, but it’s interesting and beautiful and fun. If you love music, you should check it out. If you love history, you should check it out. If you love fashion, you should check it out. If you want to know more about production, you should check it out.
Helpful tips:
There is a parking garage under the block that houses Hattie B’s, Tecovas, a bunch of other shops and restaurants, and the NMAAM, with an entrance on Broadway. It’s expensive, but you can save $20 off the whole day by using the kiosk inside the museum (even if you aren’t visiting the museum, but you should).
Go first thing when they open, so you don’t have to fight to get to exhibits and interactive elements. Then, go eat, see more of what Nashville has to offer, and then go check out your playlist when it downloads (it might be the next day to be there in its entirety) and relive some of your favorite moments and artists.
Don’t forget to watch the short movie at the beginning or your tour, check out the art gallery in the lobby, and visit the gift shop to see some other things not in the museum proper.
Have you been to a specialty museum or one that showcases a certain people? Tell us where it was and what you loved about it.
Want to read more tips for traveling worldwide on a budget? Check out my blog at Shereen Travels Cheap or find me on Facebook or Twitter. You’ll also find product and website suggestions, packing tips, current deals and a whole lot more to help you travel better for less!
Source:
http://www.shereentravelscheap.com/2024/10/the-national-museum-of-african-american.html
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