The American Banjo Museum, a world-class facility in Oklahoma, spans 21,000 square feet dedicated to celebrating the banjo's rich history, vibrant spirit, and promising future. Boasting over 400 instruments, the museum showcases the largest collection of banjos on public display, inclusive of recordings, film, videos, and memorabilia. Its galleries trace the banjo's evolution from its African origins, through its prominence in the Minstrel and Classic Eras, to its role in jazz, bluegrass, and international folk music. Ornately decorated Jazz Age banjos highlight the museum's core collection.
Established in 1998 by attorney Brady Hunt and industrialist Jack Canine, the museum initially highlighted the four-string banjo's jazz heritage. Now located in Oklahoma City, it has broadened its focus to feature every facet of the banjo's nearly 400-year history in America. Under Executive Director Johnny Baier, the museum commits to preserving and promoting the banjo, aiming to expand appreciation and understanding of its historical significance and musical versatility. This mission reflects the instrument's continuous adaptation and enduring legacy as an emblem of American music culture.
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