Objects Collection
The Museum’s extensive Objects Collection includes nearly 500 musical instruments, more than 1,900 items of stage wear, personal clothing, and accessories, and thousands of other three-dimensional objects—from microphones to automobiles—documenting the history and culture of country music.
Collection Highlights
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Blue, white, red, and green cowboy boots worn by honky-tonk singer and rockabilly pioneer Charline Arthur at many of her appearances on Grand Ole Opry package shows.
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Gown with lace overlay worn by June Carter Cash on stage in 1973.
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Prior to becoming a successful recording artist, Patsy Cline wore this cowgirl costume, designed and sewed by her mother, Hilda Hensley.
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This minimalist drum kit of snare, cymbal, and painted bass drum was used by Theresa Meaux Falcon, the drummer in the Silver Bell String Band, led by her husband, pioneering Cajun recording artist Joseph Falcon.
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This instrument was used by champion fiddler Clayton “Pappy” McMichen, a member of renowned Georgia stringband, the Skillet Lickers, and his own group, the Georgia Wildcats.
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One of the first solidbody electric guitars built, “The Log” was the brainchild of jazz guitarist Les Paul. He began constructing the experimental instrument in 1939 to demonstrate that a solid body would sustain string vibrations longer and produce a more brilliant tone than a conventional hollowbody guitar.
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Nudie's Rodeo Tailors made these hand-stitched, multi-colored boots for crooner Jim Reeves in the 1950s.
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Resistol beaver hat worn by Ralph Stanley in the later part of his career.
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Singer, songwriter, bandleader, and Country Music Hall of Fame member Hank Thompson’s extensive wardrobe of western wear from Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors included this stage costume, generously embellished with rhinestones and metallic embroidery.