13 votes

American Banjo Museum

9 E Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 USA

2
Photos

$$$$

Budget

Closed Now

Opens Tue 11a

Independent
Credit Cards Accepted
Wheelchair Accessible
Public Restrooms
No Wifi

“Honoring the vibrant spirit of the banjo”

The American Banjo Museum is a $5 million, world-class 21,000 square foot facility honoring the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo. The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world. Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century, post WWII instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.

Originally located in Guthrie, Oklahoma, the ABM was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1998 by Midwest City attorney, Brady Hunt and Indiana industrialist, Jack Canine under its previous name, The National Four-String Banjo Hall of Fame Museum. Mr. Canine, a retired Indiana industrialist as well as banjo player and enthusiast, has stated his belief that preserving and promoting the history of the banjo, America’s adopted native musical instrument, is a very important mission for future generations.

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Reviewed by
krista.mitchell.3154

1 Review
2 Helpful

July 9, 2014

Perfectly fun and informative! It's a really great way to kill a few hours. I didn't expect it to be as great as it was!

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Kathleen Oanes

Road Warrior
79 Reviews
38 Helpful

August 24, 2014

Rated 3.0

My friend who is a music teacher asked me a favor to visit the museum with her. On the first part of the tour, we were introduced to a video presentation about the history of the banjo. From there, we entered a room with posters and some neat pictures that were pretty awesome. They showcased the development of the banjo; together with its' different roles in history. Constant banjo music was playing in the museum, too! There were more or less 300 banjos on display. Every single one was unique in its own way. A short tour but was surely enjoyable.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
mliss29

9 Reviews
2 Helpful

August 6, 2015

Rated 5.0

We went here because my youngest son loves banjos and is learning to play a banjo-uke. He really loved the visit and the rest of us found it interesting too. I wish we could have played the bass banjo, just to hear what it sounded like.

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