At 510 Broadway in downtown Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music traces how African American musicians shaped music in the United States. Its galleries connect musical traditions and genres, from spirituals and gospel to blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop, with the histories of slavery, the Civil Rights movement and other social contexts. You can examine instruments, costumes, photographs and memorabilia, then take part in interactive activities such as recording with a gospel choir, making beats or joining a virtual dance battle.
Music shaped by African American history
The museum follows African American music through the historical and social conditions that shaped it. Its opening film introduces the development of musical traditions, connecting their roots to the history of slavery and the experiences of African American communities. Later galleries explore subjects including the Civil Rights movement and the Harlem Renaissance.
The story spans more than 50 genres and styles. Spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop appear alongside other musical forms, showing how artists and traditions influenced one another. The collection includes instruments, performance clothing, photographs, posters and other memorabilia, arranged to connect musicians with the music that came before and after them.
Explore the galleries through sound and movement
Interactive technology is part of the visit. In the Wade in the Water gallery, you can record yourself singing with a gospel choir. Other activities include making beats and taking part in a virtual dance battle in the One Nation Under a Groove gallery. These stations add a practical dimension to the historical exhibits: you can listen, move and experiment as you learn about the music.
The Rivers of Rhythm corridor uses touch panels to present the movement of African American music through time. Across the galleries, music and multimedia sit alongside objects such as instruments and costumes. The exhibitions cover both familiar performers and contributors whose names are less widely known, placing individual work within a wider musical history.
Make a playlist with the interactive wristband
An optional wristband lets you interact with exhibits and save music, including recordings or beats you create, for a personal playlist. The scanning process may not be immediately clear at every station, and some interactive equipment can have technical issues. Ask museum staff for help if you cannot get a station or wristband to work.
The wristband is intended to let you revisit saved music after your visit. Check how to retrieve the playlist before leaving, so you know what was saved and how to access it later. If you want to try several recording, listening and movement activities, leave time for them alongside the exhibit displays.
Plan time for the full visit
The museum is at 510 Broadway, in downtown Nashville. Its exhibits cover a broad range of music and history, and the interactive areas can add time to a visit, so rushing through may mean missing parts of the experience. Weekdays or early mornings are suggested for avoiding crowds. The museum has a theater, a gift shop and accessible entrances, restrooms and parking.
The exhibits connect African American musical traditions to the development of American music across genres, including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop. You can focus on the historical galleries, spend more time with the objects and multimedia, or take part in the music-making stations. If a single visit leaves questions or you want to explore more of the collection, the museum’s breadth also gives you reasons to return.
FAQ
Where is the National Museum of African American Music?
It is at 510 Broadway in downtown Nashville.
What can you see at the museum?
Exhibits trace African American music across more than 50 genres and include instruments, costumes, photographs and memorabilia.
Are there interactive exhibits?
Yes. Activities include recording with a gospel choir, making beats and joining a virtual dance battle. An optional wristband lets you save music and create a personal playlist.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the exhibits and try interactive stations.
When is a good time to visit?
Weekdays or early mornings can help you avoid crowds.
