Nashville, Tennessee
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world's largest museums and research centers dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American vernacular music. Located in Nashville's SoBro district, the museum's striking architecture features windows resembling piano keys and a sweeping curve representing a Cadillac tailfin. Inside, the core exhibition, "Sing Me Back Home," tells the story of country music from its folk roots to its modern status as a global genre, showcasing artifacts like Elvis Presley's gold Cadillac and Mother Maybelle Carter's Gibson guitar.
The museum serves as the keeper of the genre's history, housing an extensive collection of over 2.5 million artifacts, including recordings, photographs, and stage costumes. The Hall of Fame Rotunda, where the bronze plaques of inductees are displayed, is a reverent space honoring the legends of country music. Through its educational programs, rotating exhibits, and the historic Hatch Show Print shop, the museum provides a comprehensive and immersive experience into the cultural significance of country music.