Birthplace of Country Music Museum — Attraction in Virginia

This is a great, interactive museum. They provide history about the town and its relationship with Country Music, as well as the history of the genre (relating to the Bristol Sessions of 1927).

However, I take issue with how the museum sort of ignores the race issue. The documentary that starts the exhibit talks about how the Bristol Sessions capture Maybelle Carter’s “unique” guitar pickin’ without acknowledging Leslie Riddle. They briefly acknowledge El Watson, the only Black musician to be recorded in those sessions, but I would have liked to see some more about why there was only one Black musician / the suppression of Black country artists as recording innovations propelled the genre. The last display is a placard saying, “How has country music changed over time?” with an image of Rhiannon Giddens and other Black country artists singing, which makes it seem like they were newcomers to the scene… not continuing torch bearers of the equally influential, long forgotten creators of the genre.

Overall, it is a fun and interactive museum. You can “cut” your own country record, playing with the different instruments on a country song and recording your voice over a country track. The museum workers were so nice, and the gift shop was exceptional. I really loved the Banjo film they played around “Darling Cora” (one of my fave folk songs) and the radio booth. I just left feeling like they smudged over some very important parts of the “birth” of country music. I’d happily give it 5 stars, if they just paid a little bit more deference to the oppressed reality...

This museum is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you are curious about the culture and music of Appalachia. The exhibits crystallize around the Bristol Sessions of 1927, in which country music was first recorded, hence the name of the museum. However, in conjunction with that, the museum contains exhibits on the evolution of recording, the roots and traditions of country music, pioneer artists in the recording industry, and the gospel traditions inherent in country sound. It has several hands-on exhibits, including listening stations, recording and playback areas, a live radio station broadcast from the museum, and excellent timelines to keep you well-informed about country music of yesteryear all the way up to today. Whether you are a fan of country music or if you are interested simply in the history of recording, this is a definite must to visit. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, especially the museum director René, and the museum hosts several trainings for teachers as well as student activities. Tickets are a reasonable $11, and he will come away from your visit feeling intensely connected to the voices and people of...

Lovely museum - a must-see if you’re in the area (FREE if you’re staying at the Bristol Hotel next door!!). I’m a music lover and enjoy learning music history; admittedly, I don’t know much about country music or the Bristol Sessions, so I learned quite a bit and had a great time!

The displays are laid out well - lots of things to watch, listen to, look at, tinker with, etc. It’s very interactive. Seeing the instrument exhibits and videos inspired me to want to take out my instruments at home and relearn them.

Also— it wasn’t really on display, but a piano used during the Bristol Sessions is tucked away near the coat rack behind the “main” stairwell in the lobby. We thought it was neat and surprised it wasn’t displayed out. Check it out!

The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them anything and they have an answer for you or will find out the answer to your question. They love hosting out of town guests and will share recommendations for the area.

It’s well worth your time and money to visit this museum, even if country music isn’t your thing. We had a great experience and highly...