Earl Scruggs Museum Unveils New Interactive Exhibits

The museum in Shelby, NC celebrates its grand reopening with immersive displays on bluegrass history and culture.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Earl Scruggs Museum in Shelby, North Carolina has completed renovations and is reopening with a slate of new interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the legacy of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs and the musical traditions of the region. The grand reopening celebration on February 18 will showcase the museum's upgraded galleries, including the Common Threads Classroom, Strings on Screen film installations, and The Pickin' Story interactive displays.

Why it matters

The Earl Scruggs Museum serves as a hub for preserving and celebrating the musical heritage of the Appalachian region. These new exhibits reinforce the museum's role as a place for learning, connection, and community around bluegrass music and culture.

The details

The museum's new interactive exhibits include the Common Threads Classroom, a touch-activated digital table that connects local artists and history; Strings on Screen, a series of short films narrated by musicians like Alison Brown and Jerry Douglas; and The Pickin' Story, a set of touch-screen panels that allow visitors to learn about bluegrass instruments and even participate in a virtual jam session.

  • The Earl Scruggs Museum reopened to the public on February 3, 2026.
  • The grand reopening celebration is scheduled for February 18, 2026.

The players

Earl Scruggs Center

A museum and cultural center in Shelby, North Carolina that celebrates the life and legacy of bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs.

Roger Harris

Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Earl Scruggs Center.

Mary Beth Martin

Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center.

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What they’re saying

“It is exciting to be part of the evolution of the Earl Scruggs Center as we take the next giant step in telling the shared story of the music and culture of our community. We celebrate new ways to tell the story through interactive technology and major upgrades to our galleries.”

— Roger Harris, Chairperson of the Board of Directors (bluegrasstoday.com)

“These new exhibits allow visitors not just to learn about bluegrass music, but to experience it — together. They reflect Earl Scruggs' legacy as both an innovator and a tradition-bearer, and they reinforce the Center's role as a place for learning, connection, and community.”

— Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director (bluegrasstoday.com)

What’s next

The Earl Scruggs Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Cleveland County residents are admitted for free on Saturdays.

The takeaway

The Earl Scruggs Museum's new interactive exhibits showcase the rich musical heritage of the Appalachian region, reinforcing the museum's role as a hub for preserving and celebrating bluegrass culture through innovative and immersive experiences.