American Banjo Museum

I visited the American Banjo Museum on my own while Doug was working. I don’t know anything about banjos (still don’t), but it was just a few blocks’ walk from something else I was doing, had an inexpensive entry fee and was well-rated, so I figured why not.

The museum is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (new state!), and is truly dedicated to just the banjo. There were lots of exhibits on the history and its influence, but mostly it just had case after case after case of banjos on display. More than 300 banjos are displayed in their 21,000 square feet of galleries, covering banjo history from the mid-1600s to the present day.

1969 Gibson All-American – a “holy grail” among banjo collectors, according to the sign. There’s another picture below of the side – spectacular!

1928 B&D Ne Plus Ultra Silver Bell #9. There are more pictures of this amazing banjo below.

The museum honors “the rich history, vibrant spirit and unlimited future of the banjo.” Included in their archives are thousands of audio and video recordings of banjo performances, though the archives is limited to members by appointment.

It didn’t take long for me to appreciate that these banjos were works of art, and that’s really what I focused on. I just walked around and admired the many beautiful pieces, so overall it was a quick but enjoyable visit.

_{The cover photo is a 1929 B&D Montana Ne Plus Ultra Silver Bell #7.}