Just steps away from Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium, the first-of-its-kind Museum of Christian and Gospel Music tells the story behind one of the fastest-growing genres in music today. Preserving the rich heritage of Christian and gospel music, the brand-new museum showcases the remarkable contributions of more than 300 artists, including 197 icons represented in the Mike Curb Presents GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In addition to its rotating curated exhibits, the museum features more than three hours of content across six interactive screens, where 18 artists answer various questions about the far-reaching legacy of Christian music.
Technology is harnessed in other sections of the museum as well, allowing guests to digitally engage with the stories and work of the nearly 200 pioneers inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Fans also have the opportunity to record personal messages of gratitude and impact, honoring their favorite artists. Moreover, a theater gives visitors a chance to mine footage from 56 years’ worth of Dove Awards archives. Recently registered as an official stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the museum serves as a tangible time capsule for a genre that continues to expand and evolve. While there are countless artifacts on display, sure to transport longtime Christian music fans back to a specific time and place in their personal journeys of faith, we’ve compiled a list of 10 must-see treasures at the new Museum of Christian and Gospel Music.
Brandon Lake’s Coat of Many Colors
The duster Brandon Lake wore on his album cover for 2023’s “Coat of Many Colors” hangs behind glass not far from the museum’s entrance. Lake also sported the accessory on his tour in support of the project. The unique custom apparel piece tells a story far beyond the record’s concept, however. Fragments from a favorite pair of jeans, a baby blanket and his wife’s wedding dress are all stitched into the design.
Steve Gilreath’s Original Art Installation
When you first enter the museum, a small coffee shop to your left provides a space for aspiring artists to showcase their talent on a stage or for visitors to enjoy a quick snack. The most compelling part of this area, however, is the wall that houses a massive original art installation personally handcrafted by the museum’s executive director, Steve Gilreath. Comprised of an array of broken instruments — everything from used woodwinds to old guitar cables — the large-scale abstract work symbolizes the beauty that blooms when we unite in harmony to preserve the past.
Third Day’s “Revelation Tour” Backdrop
Rescued from a trip to the junkyard, the red and black backdrop from Third Day’s “Revelation Tour” frames an exhibit that displays a number of concert posters promoting live shows headlined by various Christian artists through the years. The iconic rock band used the drapery during their own 2009 trek, which featured songs from the landmark release, like “Call My Name” and the title cut, as well as opening sets from the then-reigning GMA New Artist of the Year, Brandon Heath, and emerging Australian pop-rock outfit Revive.
Chris Christian’s Console
Serving as the crown jewel of the museum, a vintage console stands as a testament to some of Christian music’s earliest recordings. Owned by CCM pioneer Chris Christian, the soundboard, frequently flanked by both Christian and GMA Hall of Fame member Brown Bannister, was used to craft career-defining albums by genre luminaries such as B.J. Thomas, White Heart, Petra, Keith Green, Bill Gaither, Sandi Patty, Amy Grant and Carman, among many others. The leather on the front is visibly cracked as the console itself has logged decades of recording sessions in Nashville, Los Angeles and Dallas.
NewSong’s Christmas Shoes
NewSong’s tear-jerking holiday single, “The Christmas Shoes,” became something of a seasonal novelty after it unexpectedly summited the charts at the end of 2001, garnering cross-genre appeal and eventually inspiring a book and a feature film. The red embroidered shoes from the movie adaptation, released in 2022, are part of an exhibit highlighting faith-based films with ties to music. Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley brought the song to life on the screen as they told the emotional story of a child who buys his dying mother a special gift for her last Christmas this side of heaven.
Amy Grant’s “Unguarded” Blazer
When Amy Grant released her watershed album, “Unguarded,” in 1985, four different covers were available, depicting Grant in a now infamous leopard print blazer. A total of five custom jackets were made, and while the one Grant wears in the project’s promotional photos appears black and white, the fashion accessory actually came in different colors, which she wore on tour. Although the original, used for the cover shoot, hangs in the GRAMMY® Museum in Los Angeles, the blazer housed in the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music is a vibrantly spotted teal version.
Michael W. Smith’s Hand-Painted “Worship” Piano
2021’s “Worship” marked a new era for Michael W. Smith. Long known as a Christian pop king, the pivotal live release saw Smith evolve into an influential leader in the worship space. Musician and visual artist Jimmy Abegg created the memorable fiery orange artwork that adorned the cover for “Worship,” which was followed by the blue “Worship Again” in 2022. To support the sister projects, Smith embarked on a worship tour where he played a custom grand piano hand painted by Abegg, now on display at the museum.
Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Great Adventure” Guitar
Steven Curtis Chapman’s Greven Sunburst guitar — a gift with a storied past from “El Shaddai” writer Michael Card — sits behind glass at the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music. Appearing on “The Great Adventure” album cover, the guitar was a favorite of Chapman’s for several tours until a freak accident damaged the instrument. While a shelf was being dusted at the hitmaker’s home, one of his numerous Dove Awards fell, creating a large gash in the guitar. With 60 trophies to his name, Steven Curtis Chapman remains the most awarded artist in GMA Dove Awards history.
MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine” Handwritten Lyrics
On the heels of MercyMe’s movie sequel, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” it seems fitting that the original lyrics to the signature ballad can only be viewed at the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music. The initial draft, handwritten by MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, became the blueprint for the five-time platinum single that launched the band’s career and sparked the most-played song in the history of Christian radio. The scribbled lyrics for “I Can Only Imagine” are displayed alongside a paint-drenched guitar used in the group’s official music video for “Flawless.”
CCM Magazine’s First Issue
Preserving the history of the Jesus Music movement through media, the museum showcases the very first issue of “CCM Magazine,” the print medium that gave the celebrated genre its name. The inaugural issue debuted in July 1978 on newsprint with a cover featuring The Boones — sisters Cherry, Lindy, Debby and Laury — the famous daughters of singer and actor Pat Boone. Founded by John Styll, “CCM Magazine” became the premier publication for Christian music, featuring in-depth artist interviews, trusted album reviews and current music charts delivered straight to fans’ mailboxes each month. After three decades, the magazine issued its final print edition in April 2008, transitioning to a digital-only brand that still exists today.
Closed on Sundays, the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music is open six days a week. Adult tickets cost $19.95 with discounts available for youth and seniors. Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying parent. Learn more at cgmmuseum.org.
*All photos courtesy of Jaime Vaughn, Museum of Christian and Gospel Music.
