Guitar

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The guitar has rocked the world through more than 5,000 years of guitar history, from its origins in the ancient world to today.

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World takes visitors on a fascinating exploration of the science, sound, history, and pop culture behind the world's favorite instrument.

The guitar is the most enduring icon in American history. It has been around longer than baseball, basketball, soft drinks and sports cars. HP Newquist, founder and executive director of The National GUITAR Museum

Featuring an impressive display of rare and antique guitars, the exhibition is fun and educational for the whole family.

Inside the Exhibition

This fully immersive exhibition explores all facets of the world’s most popular instrument, from its history as an instrument of popular culture to the science of creating sound with wood and steel.

• See over 60 guitars and 100 artifacts that immerse you in the heart of music.
• Explore the 5000-year-old history of the guitar’s evolution.
• Experience the rush of the guitar through the powerful lens of science.
• Discover how the selection of different materials and strings, fused with electromagnetism and amplification, create the instrument that revolutionized music.

The exhibition also features video performances and stunning x-ray images of guitars' inner workings.

Select Artifacts on View

• The World's Largest Playable Electric Guitar
• Rickenbacker A-22 “Frying Pan” Guitar
• Gibson Harp Guitar
• Charango

Educator Resources

• GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World Study Guide

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World is a Touring Exhibition of the National GUITAR Museum.

Sponsored by The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a division of the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.