MUSKOGEE, Okla. — The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum is set to reopen its doors with a free public celebration on Sept. 26 after completing a 16-month renovation that transformed the historic venue into a modern, interactive destination while preserving its architectural heritage.
Located inside the historic 1903 Frisco Freight Depot in downtown Muskogee, the museum has celebrated Oklahoma’s musical legacy since opening in 2003. The extensive renovation, made possible through a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the City of Muskogee, introduces new interactive experiences, expanded event spaces and upgraded visitor amenities designed to strengthen the Hall of Fame’s role as both a cultural attraction and a community gathering place.
The renovated facility features interactive exhibits, an album cover design station where guests can create personalized artwork, the new Origins Listening Room honoring Oklahoma songwriters, a recording studio, an expanded catering kitchen and a state-of-the-art performance stage. Many of the depot’s original architectural features were preserved during construction, blending the building’s historic character with modern museum experiences.
Planning for the renovation began in 2024 when Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell met with the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors to discuss the future of the institution and opportunities to enhance its visitor experience.
“The excitement around Oklahoma music is at an all-time high. From well-known icons to up-and-coming homegrown stars, Oklahoma’s musical talent can’t be beat, and there’s never been a better time to reimagine how we tell these artists’ stories. The new, state-of-the-art Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame will do just that,” Pinnell said.
Since its founding, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has inducted 166 artists, groups and music industry professionals representing genres including folk, blues, rock, jazz, R&B, Broadway and classical music. The organization also recognizes songwriters, educators, promoters and journalists whose work has helped shape Oklahoma’s musical heritage.
Tony Corbell, executive director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, said the updated facility has been designed to serve a broader purpose beyond preserving music history.
“In addition to the musical history presented here in the numerous digital kiosks and video presentations, the building has been re-designed as a great venue and stage for events and celebrations. From fund-raising meetings and reunions, to civic organization events, even wedding receptions, the Hall of Fame offers a great choice for gatherings of all kinds, large and small,” Corbell said.
The renovation was designed by Tulsa-based Narrate Design, while Hampton Creative led the museum’s rebranding initiative, including the development of its new logo and visual identity. AC Owen served as the general contractor, working alongside numerous subcontractors from the Muskogee area throughout the renovation project.
The Grand Reopening celebration will begin at 1 p.m. with free admission for visitors. The day’s activities include live performances by local, regional and nationally recognized artists, museum tours, vendor booths and food trucks. A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell is scheduled for 4 p.m.
The community celebration is sponsored in part by Visit Muskogee, the city’s official tourism organization, whose support is helping attract visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond to experience the newly renovated Hall of Fame.
The festivities will conclude with a performance by Muskogee natives The Swon Brothers, former finalists on NBC’s The Voice. The nationally recognized country duo has toured with artists including Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley and has written songs recorded by fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton. Recipients of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame’s 2013 Rising Star Award, their hometown performance will serve as the finale of the Grand Reopening celebration.
The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame first inducted members in 1997, honoring Merle Haggard, Woody Guthrie, Patti Page and Claude “Fiddler” Williams in its inaugural class. Since then, the organization has recognized notable artists and industry figures including Vince Gill, Leon Russell, Gene Autry, J.J. Cale, Wanda Jackson, Kristin Chenoweth, Byron Berline, Jimmy Webb, Jim Keltner, Hoyt Axton and The Turnpike Troubadours. The Hall of Fame also continues to recognize emerging Oklahoma talent through its Rising Star Award.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum remains dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Oklahoma’s rich musical heritage while expanding educational opportunities and supporting cultural tourism through its newly renovated facility.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/ESZCYCVTMHULRF4XLKFETXEN2U.jpg "The phrase about the origins of Argentina, Brazilians and Mexicans is critical of President Alberto Fernandez. International | News")
