March 9 to August 4
More than 100 guitars—owned by greats including Roy Rogers, Charlie Christian, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Woody Guthrie, Buddy Holly, Les Paul and others—will be displayed together for the first time ever, when
Guitars! Roundups to Rockers opens at The Eiteljorg Museum. The exhibit explores the Western connections of guitars and artists who have provided the soundtrack for America. The experience, including interactive content, is guaranteed to appeal to guitar gearheads, musicians and everyday music lovers of genres from Western swing to wailing rock, thrashing punk to bouncing jazz.
Five reasons to get excited about Guitars! - The guitars in this exhibit have never been displayed together before and likely never will be again. Normally, one would have to travel the world and gain entry to some of the best museums and private collectors’ homes to have this experience. Guitars! is a one-time-only chance to see these phenomenal instruments in one place.
- Guitars! isn’t simply about instruments, but also artists, including Patsy Montana, Jerry Garcia, Metallica, The Decemberists, Stephen Stills, Sleater-Kinney, Barney Kessel, Keith Richards and Gene Autry—a veritable who’s who of 20th and 21st century music.
- The exhibit features rare guitars, including the oldest known Fender (1942), a New York Martin (1837), and a brilliant Gibson Lloyd Loar Quartet (There are only a few of these sets in existence.).
- Guitars! includes several guitars from the renowned collection of Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts. Irsay provides three guitars tied to legendary performers George Harrison, Stephen Stills and Jerry Garcia. His collection also comprises a mix of electric and acoustic guitars spanning over 100 years of guitar-making.
- See “The Flying V”-- the actual axe used to create the tunes in the game Guitar Hero, plus a plethora of unconventional instruments.
Guitars! is supported by ongoing programming, including films, guitar instruction, a guitar “corral,” made possible by Fender Guitar, that offers guests a chance to pluck and strum, live performances and more.
Highlights include:
VIP Reception and Exhibit Preview
featuring The Endless Summer Band (Click to register online)
March 8
Opening Day featuring a performance by Cowboy Celtic
March 9
Film Screening: "The Wrecking Crew"
April 13
John Alvarado: Guitar Music of Spain and Latin America
April 14
The Evolution of the American Guitar (Presentation and Book Signing)
May 5
Performance: Riders In The Sky
May 11
Performance: The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
June 1
See what the
Indianapolis Star had to say about
Guitars!