The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in downtown Nashville is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary following a milestone year of sold-out events, exclusive artist experiences, podcast partnerships, and major additions to its growing collection.
Opened in October 2025, the museum has spent its first year bringing together Christian and Gospel music history, artists, and fans through exhibits, live events, conversations, and immersive experiences.
Among its recent sold-out events was a special celebration with Petra marking the theatrical release of Beyond Belief: The Movie. The event included a behind-the-scenes screening and a pop-up exhibit featuring artifacts from the Christian rock band.
Jason Crabb also brought his Stories & Songs series to the museum for a sold-out audience, while Stryper hosted an album release experience that included an early listening opportunity, dinner with the band, a Q&A, photos, and filming for an upcoming documentary.
The museum has also welcomed audiences for a special Gaither Homecoming release event, along with experiences featuring artists including Brandon Heath, Jason Gray, Ginny Owens, and Buddy Greene.
Beyond live events, the museum has continued expanding its podcast presence. Got It From My Momma has featured Amy Grant as well as CeCe Winans and her daughter, while I Love To Tell The Story has welcomed Jason Crabb, Point of Grace, Jackie Patillo, and Reba Rambo. Christian Music Guys and Jesus Taxi Show are also set to join the museum's podcast lineup next month.
The museum's exhibits have more than doubled since opening, with new additions representing artists including Carrie Underwood, Amy Grant, Jonathan McReynolds, Stryper, Petra, We The Kingdom, Richard Smallwood, FOR KING + COUNTRY, and Donald Lawrence. Christian music pioneer Randy Stonehill has also been added to the museum's Pioneers area.
Among the collection's notable pieces are original, first-edition lyrics to MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" and Michael W. Smith's "Friends," along with artifacts connected to Jars of Clay and other influential figures in Christian and Gospel music.
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First Anniversary Celebration
The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music will mark its official first anniversary on October 3, with a week of special programming beginning October 1.
The celebration opens with the museum's first Christian Rock & Alternative Night, featuring Grace Graber, Audiophile, and Pomegranate.
On October 2, Christian rock pioneer Glenn Kaiser will join John Thompson for a Brown Bag Lunch & Learn.
The museum's October 3 anniversary celebration will include the Kickoff to Gospel Music Week, featuring live performances and conversations with Jenn Johnson, Josh Baldwin, Bay Turner, and others. The day will also include a live Christian Music Guys Podcast and a Christian Influencer Panel.
The anniversary programming will continue October 6 with After Doves at the C&G, following the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The after-party will be hosted by DJ Parks and feature Mike Teezy, Dante' Pride, Justin Radford, I Am Able, Taylented, and Pat Murphy, in partnership with The Believers Social.
As the museum enters its second year, it continues its mission of preserving the history and celebrating the ongoing story of Christian and Gospel music through exhibits, live music, artist experiences, and opportunities for fans to connect with the music they love.
For tickets, upcoming events, museum hours, and additional information, visit the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music official website.
The museum opened in October 2025 in downtown Nashville and was designated as part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in February 2026. The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music is presented alongside the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is designed to preserve the legacy and future of Christian and Gospel music.
