Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs Perform at Opening of Belmont University Gallery of Iconic Guitars

Belmont University recently honored its dedication to music with the opening of The Gallery of Iconic Guitars for all to come and cherish historical instruments.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs Perform at Opening of Belmont University Gallery of Iconic Guitars
Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and Belmont student Ben Valine; Photo credit Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

Belmont University recently honored its dedication to music with the opening of The Gallery of Iconic Guitars for all to come and cherish historical instruments.

The Gallery will hold almost 500 significant instruments that range in a number of brands and types of guitars. From a Martin acoustic guitar to a classic Gibson Les Paul, music fans of all ages will be able to revel at the pieces at the university and learn about the importance of each instrument.

Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs have been huge supporters of Belmont throughout the years, and lent a hand to the opening of the exhibit by performing on the guitars to exhibit their abilities. They, like many others in attendance, wanted to show their appreciation for the craft and love of guitars at the event.

Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont University; Photo credit Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont University; Photo credit Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

“I’ve played guitar since I was a teenager so to have these prized instruments on this campus is a true joy for me personally,” stated Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher. “But the real value of these historical treasures comes with the educational opportunities they present to our students and faculty as well as visitors to the museum.”

Backed with the help of James B. and Lois R. Archer Charitable Foundation and co-executor of the estate George Gruhn, Belmont University welcomes all in Music City to stop by the showcase and see that there’s more to the music than just three chords and the truth.

Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill; Photo credit Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill; Photo credit Sam Simpkins/Belmont University

“An instrument is not a servant to a musician, but rather a partner. The really great instruments are alive, and they make suggestions. Sometimes you lead them and sometimes they lead you… Belmont University was the natural choice for a permanent home for this collection since it draws students and scholars from around the world and is noted for the excellence of its music programs,” said Gruhn, founder of Nashville’s own Gruhn’s Guitars shop.

The Gallery of Iconic Guitars, or the GIG, is open to visitors Monday through Saturday during the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as well as Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, with free admission for children under the age of 12. Belmont students, faculty and staff also receive free admission to the GIG as well.