Sunday 15 June 2008

Grammy Museum Announces December Grand Opening

The grand opening of the new Grammy museum in downtown Los Angeles has been set for Dec. 3-7, to culminate The Recording Academy's milestone 50th celebration year. The grand opening celebration will feature numerous activities including a media day and VIP reception, a gala fundraising concert, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring music throughout the day on the Nokia Plaza, according to a press release.Each of the four floors of the 32,000 square-foot museum will offer visitors a different perspective on the history of music and the Grammy Awards [ tickets ]. The museum tour will begin on the fourth floor, which will feature a gallery space filled with films, artifacts and interactive exhibits. The third floor provides a behind-the-scenes look into the art and technology of the recording process and features hands-on, in-the-studio experiences as well as an in-depth exploration of the annual Grammy Awards telecast. The second floor will house the Grammy Sound Stage and will feature an exclusive film that captures the backstage world of the 50th Annual Grammy Awards,. The second floor also is home to the museum's special exhibits gallery, where original temporary exhibits will be showcased on a rotating basis. The first traveling exhibit, "Songs of Conscience, Sound of Freedom," will explore the role of music as a political force in society.The museum also will feature educational and public programs including music classes for children; mentoring and question-and-answer sessions with visiting artists; lectures with music industry veterans; film screenings; and concert series and artist showcases. The museum also has developed partnerships with local colleges and universities to offer special programs and internships to students working toward a career in music.The museum, which officially opens to the public Dec. 6, will be located within the L.A. Live sports, entertainment and residential district located across the street from the Staples Center.