Grammy Museum Mississippi

The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is an enormous modern building in the heart of the Mississippi Delta. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

The entrance of the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

A model of a GRAMMY award greets visitors at the entrance. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

Exhibits include outfits worn by Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

In addition to pop music highlights, other exhibits focus on the museum's Mississippi roots. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

Exhibits include interactive elements on the history of pop music. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

This outfit was once worn by Beyoncé on the Grammy Red Carpet. ianlefk (Atlas Obscura User)

SemiruralYeti (Atlas Obscura User)

Many people may not know that there are actually two museums celebrating the Grammy Awards. The first is located in the L.A. Live complex, just steps from the arena where the Grammy Awards are most often held. The second, naturally, is located in the small town of Cleveland, Mississippi, two hours away from Memphis, the closest big city.

So… what are artifacts from the most famous pop music stars and a massive museum with interactive exhibits doing in a place like Cleveland? There are a few answers. The answer the Grammy Museum Mississippi offers is that Cleveland is centrally located in the Mississippi Delta, as one of a string of music museums dotting the landscape of the cradle of American music along the Mississippi Blues Trail between Memphis and Jackson. Additionally, the proximity to Delta State University gives it an educational function. A more cynical answer may have to do with the flow of economic development funding to Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and how much of it was used on major white elephant projects instead of direct aid to its residents.

Either way, the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi is a striking 28,000-square-foot building that combines L.A. glitz with Delta architectural vernacular. Exhibits include outfits worn by popstars including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Charli XCX, and more, alongside exhibits of blues greats such as Bobby Rush and local legend B.B. King.

A special spotlight is placed on Mississippi music legends from Jimmie Rodgers through today, including Elvis Presley, who was born in Tupelo. Finally, the museum includes films, theatrical presentations, and a soundstage and studio, with interactive exhibits on the blues to help you hone your skills on your way to a Grammy nomination of your own.