Celebration. Education. Inspiration.

 

Presented by:

James B. & Louis R. Archer Charitable Foundation Logo

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont is Music City’s premier venue designed to celebrate some of the most rare and iconic guitars and stringed instruments ever known, including:

  • 1939 Martin D-45, one of only 91 made between 1933 and 1942
  • 1923 Gibson F-5 Mandolin, signed by designer and visionary Lloyd Loar
  • 1958 Gibson Les Paul Standard, among the most enduring electric guitars in history
  • 1887 Martin 0-28, still stamped with “C. F. Martin & Co. New York” on the back of the peghead
  • The Loar Quartet Master Series, featuring the F-5 mandolin, H-5 mandola, K-5 mandocello and L-5 guitar—all signed and dated by Mr. Loar

The GIG features an intimate experience for visitors to view these prized instruments up-close, along with historically and technically in-depth information on each. It is our hope that these magnificent instruments and their stories serve to inspire legions of music enthusiasts from all generations.

Featured Videos

Hear Ricky Skaggs talk about the Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson F-5 Mandolin on display at The GIG.

Hear Ricky Skaggs talk about the significance of the Stephen Kern Shaw Collection on display at The GIG.

Exhibits

The GIG at Belmont

The GIG at Belmont is located in the Lila D Bunch Library on the Belmont University Campus. Click there to view in maps.

Plan Your Visit

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont is located on the campus of Belmont University inside the Lila D. Bunch Library. Free parking is available on the street and in designated visitor lots.

Hours of Operation

 

The GIG will be closed until noon on Friday, March 15 for a private event.  The gallery will open for regular tours at noon.  The GIG will close at noon on Monday, March 18, 2024 for a private event.  The GIG will also be closed on Thursday, March 21 for a private event.  Normal tours will resume on Friday, March 22, 2024.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience!  

The GIG is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm with the last admittance to the galleries at 4pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 4:30 pm with the last admittance at 4pm. The GIG is closed weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

The Gallery will be closed on New Year's Day, MLK Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (and the following Friday), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  The Gallery will close at noon on December 23 for the holiday.

The Gallery will also be closed whenever Belmont University officially closes.

 

 

General Museum Admission:

Adults and Youth 13+: $5
Youth 12 and under: FREE
Belmont Students, Faculty and Staff: FREE with Belmont ID

Tickets may be purchased in advance or on site. The gallery accepts credit/debit card payments only.