NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After years of preparation and planning, the National Museum of African American Music opened Monday in downtown Nashville.
A select few, including Governor Bill Lee, were part of the opening ceremony at the museum entrance at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
The museum celebrates the history of African American music.
Museum leaders said the idea started in 1998 as a way to honor African American cultural contributions and developed into a museum to commemorate African American music and its impact on American culture and society.
The museum highlights 50 music genres that were created or greatly influenced by African Americans, like jazz, gospel, R&B and hip hop.
Seven different galleries will also showcase a different perspective on African American music and history. Over 1,500 artifacts, including memorabilia and clothing, will also be on display.
To help the museum accomplish its mission in educating the public on the significance of African American contributions to music, Amazon donated $1 million.
Amazon made the donation last week, which the museum says will sponsor several events, including "Amazon STEAM Days," which will allow local schools to bring field trips to the museum.
Amazon is also sponsoring the "Best Of Theater" inside the museum.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was held at noon with museum board members, the governor, other elected officials, and community leaders in attendance.
"Enjoyed celebrating the opening of @theNMAAM. From the Fisk Jubilee Singers to Aretha Franklin to Beale Street, African American music has always been a part of our state's story, and we are proud that TN is home to the National Museum of African American Music," Lee said.
Museum members will have the opportunity to tour it on January 23 and 24 during Members Preview Weekend.
The museum will open to the general public on January 30. Because of COVID-19, the museum says it will only allow a limited number of visitors in for tours.
Tours will initially follow a weekend schedule on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.