An attraction newly two decades in the making comes to fruition with this week's opening of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro.
The downtown venue replaces the old International Bluegrass Music Museum which is now closed. The new $15 million facility has double the exhibit space, a 450-seat theatre, an outdoor stage, and private event space.
Chris Joslin, executive director of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Convention Center, says the new venue complements the downtown district.
"The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is part of a larger story that's unfolding in Owensboro," Joslin told WKU Public Radio. "It's about revitalization, downtown development, and taking advantage of a beautiful riverfront."
The hall of fame and museum will host a three-day grand opening celebration starting on Thursday with an invitation-only event. Kentucky native Sam Bush will headline a sold-out show on Friday, and at noon on Saturday, the venue will open its doors to the public with live music and food vendors.
A full schedule of events can be found here.