Guitar, The Instrument That Rocked The World!

Most everyone has picked up a guitar at some point in their lives, strummed a few strings and dreamt of becoming a rock star or some similar sensation. Even those with no guitar play an imaginary version envisioning themselves playing with the best of them.

George Sparks, President & CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science since November 2004 created the family band Crooked Whiskers with his wife and kids. Sparks decided to learn to play the guitar and keyboards at the age of 65.

The Guitar has been around for centuries in various shapes, sizes and sounds. It is believed the first guitars appeared in Spain in the 16th century.

 “GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World” takes you on a fascinating exploration of the science, sound, history and pop culture behind the world’s most popular instrument.  

Make no mistake, this is not a version of a Hard Rock Cafe window display rather it is an opportunity to experience and celebrate the many facets of this iconic instrument, from its origin and continued evolution to the music it creates and the cultural impact it has. Explore STEAM concepts like sound waves, frequency, mathematical scales, engineering and more through a wide range of hands-on experiences.

Most of the guitars have their own glass case and a story unique to that guitar. Most every type and make of guitar if featured from Gibsons to a Martin Parlor guitar, There is even a glass encased Air Guitar that has to be seen to be believed not to mention a giant 43.5 feet long guitar laying flat in the middle of the room that everyone can actually play. It has been certified as the world’s largest playable guitar by Guinness World Records!

George Sparks President & CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science addresses the media at the opening of “Guitar, The Instrument That Rocked The World”

Take in the exhibition’s collection of more than 70 instruments from this traveling exhibition ranging from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative. 

A few local guitar aficionados are featured in the exhibit including Miguel and Brenda Avina along with large wall recognizing Javi.

It’s not just about viewing and learning about guitars but you can actually play some of them. There are guitars and amps provided with backdrops of the Red Rocks Amphitheater and other concert venues so you can take photos of make a video of yourself seemingly playing at those venues.

Even better? This exhibition , which runs through April 17, 2022 is FREE with Museum general admission (and free to Museum members!). No extra timed ticket is necessary to enter. Purchase your tickets to the Museum and plan your visit to GUITAR today. 

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