Banjo legend Earl Scruggs and Oklahoman Roy Clark along with Lt. Gov. Jari Askins celebrated the opening of the American Banjo Museum in Bricktown Sept. 10 at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at 9 E. Sheridan in Bricktown, the American Banjo Museum is a $5 million, 21,000 square foot facility honoring the history, spirit and future of the banjo. 

The museum contains more than 300 instruments, the largest collection on public display in the world.  Examples include replicas of primitive banjos developed by African slaves in the Old South, Minstrel Age instruments from 19th century, post-World War II instruments used in bluegrass, folk and world music, and museum’s core collection of ornately decorated banjos made in America during the Jazz Age of the 1920’s and 30s.   

“When you hear a banjo, you can’t help but smile,” Johnny Baier, American Banjo Museum executive director, said. “Museum guests will be transported to a whole new world of sound and history as they walk through the doors of the magnificently renovated Bricktown warehouse. The banjo truly is America’s instrument.” 

During the grand opening weekend of Sept. 11- 13, admission will be free from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

John McEuen, founding member of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will perform throughout the opening weekend along with Buddy Wachter, considered to be the most influential four-string banjoist of this generation; the Byron Berline Band, playing traditional bluegrass and swing; the Young Family Bluegrass Band; Georgette Twain the Queen of Banjo; jazz banjo entertainer Debbie Schreyer; and Doug Back classical/jazz banjo player.