The American Banjo Museum

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a music nerd. I'll don't care what genre you have, if you have a collection of something musical, I'm all for it. So when I heard that there was a Banjo Museum in the town I live in, I couldn't get there fast enough. And, boy oh boy, was I amazed at what I found in Bricktown.

Banjos have been used for years and years. They have found their place in bluegrass, country, folk, rock, and even a few hip hop songs. I knew about all that but I had no idea that banjos have been considered works of fine art until I came to see them here. The displays at the ABM prove that they are definitely works of art in both construction of the actual instrument and the adornments put on after they're built. As you can see in some of the photos, the masterpieces that live at the museum are unparalleled. To see this many banjos in one place seems like a miracle, but it's the careful curation of people who love the banjo that make this exhibit a living history of an amazing instrument. And we can all appreciate the work these folks have put into the collection.

The ABM starts with the history of the early incarnations of the banjo imported by African slaves that were brought to America. They continue through the decades where they show the evolution of the banjo from the primitive examples to the outrageously ornated and everything in between. And of course, they have displays about the different musicians that have taken up the banjo and are creating phenomenal music that incorporates and highlights the banjo. I saw two of my favorite banjo players on the walls, Bela Fleck and Rhiannon Giddens. Big fan!

If you're even mildly entertained by the banjo, you should come to downtown Oklahoma City and visit the American Banjo Museum. You'll see so many beautiful instruments, you'll want to go through twice. On the way out the door, you can even play a couple of banjos to see if you might want to take up a super fun instrument like me and so many others.

9 E Sheridan Ave (Downtown in Bricktown)

Oklahoma City

405-604-2793

Parking, like most downtowns, is either inconvenient or expensive. Take your pick.

Jonathan Elmore ©2025