California Museum to Host National Guitar Museum Exhibition

Exhibit to showcase 40-instrument display, California musicians and guitar makers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — May 14, 2024: The California Museum will open “America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation,” a touring exhibition from the National Guitar Museum celebrating the evolution and cultural impact of the guitar through history, on Friday, May 24. A bonus section in the California Museum’s presentation spotlights Golden State musicians and manufacturers who made their mark globally.

Using 40 instruments—from the vihuela of the 1500s to a modern steampunk guitar— “America at the Crossroads” examines significant events in American history, including European colonialism, westward expansion, the introduction of electricity, the Great Migration, the Cold War, teenage rebellion and the rise of video games.

The California Museum’s presentation elaborates on the role of California guitar makers and musicians in popularizing the instrument in the 20^th century. Visitors can enjoy a display celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster, a guitar-making exhibit from Santa Cruz Guitar Company, items commemorating Taylor Guitars’ 50th anniversary, and instruments from Alembic and Rickenbacker. Also on view will be original guitars played by Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, John Lee Hooker, Eddie Van Halen and Los Tigres del Norte, including the Fender Stratocaster Cobain played on Nirvana’s “In Utero” tour.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the National Guitar Museum to host ‘America at the Crossroads,’” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “The exhibit provides a fascinating look at the nexus between music and history, and we’re excited to add our own ‘California Crossroads’ section highlighting some of the world’s premier guitar makers and the artists whose talents brought their California innovations to the big stage.”

The theme of “the crossroads,” one of the United States’—and music’s—most enduring stories, and a metaphor for the nation’s ongoing cultural upheaval, is woven through the exhibit. Diversity and inclusion are also central themes, as the exhibit illustrates how the evolution of the guitar, and its popularity, were driven not by those in positions of power but by the disenfranchised and the unrecognized. And its popularity has only grown; at the height of the Covid pandemic, more guitars were sold in the United States than ever before.

“The guitar is the most enduring icon in American history,” said HP Newquist, Executive Director and Founder of the National Guitar Museum. “It has been around longer than baseball, basketball, soft drinks and sports cars. This exhibition is a celebration of all that, and more.”

The exhibit will run through September 1. For more information about the exhibit and its accompanying Father’s Day weekend “Meeting of the Music” celebration with live music, beer and snacks for purchase, and exhibit tours,” visit californiamuseum.org/exhibitions/guitars/.  

ABOUT THE NATIONAL GUITAR MUSEUM:

The National Guitar Museum is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the history, evolution and cultural impact of the guitar. It has created popular touring exhibits for the science and art communities. “America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation” was designed specifically for venues presenting history to their guests.

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:

The California Museum—home of the California Hall of Fame—focuses on the state’s rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history. Located at 1020 O Street in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex, the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $8-$10. Plan a visit at californiamuseum.org.

###