From our friends at the Newseum...
Two Iconic Museums, The Newseum and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Partner on a One-of-a-Kind Exhibit
"Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics" on display in Cleveland during the 2016 Republican National Convention and in Washington, DC during the 2017 Presidential Inauguration
From the moment rock and roll hit the airwaves, it has played a crucial role in politics and social movements around the world. Now, two iconic museums, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio and the Newseum in Washington, DC, are partnering on a one-of-a-kind exhibit, “Louder Than Words: Rock, Power and Politics,” to explore the power of rock to change attitudes about patriotism, peace, equality and freedom.
“Louder Than Words,” presented by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Sound Exchange and AT&T, premieres on May 20th at the Rock Hall in Cleveland, the host city for the 2016 Republican National Convention July 18-21, 2016. On Jan. 6, 2017, the exhibit will move to the Newseum in Washington, DC, where it will be on display during the 2017 presidential inauguration events and through July 31, 2017.
“As the nation’s attention turns to the campaign trail, we’re excited to work with the Newseum on a timely exploration of music’s powerful role in politics,” said Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “‘Louder Than Words’ highlights how artists have used their craft as a platform to express their views and shape public opinion.”
“We’re excited to work with the Rock Hall on this examination of the role music has and continues to play in the political process,” said Jeffrey Herbst, president and CEO of the Newseum. “It’s especially significant that an exhibit of this nature will be taking place here at the Newseum in the shadow of U.S. Capitol during a time when millions of people will be in Washington to experience democracy in action.”
Using video, multimedia, photographs, periodicals and artifacts, such as the guitar John Lennon used at the Montreal bed-in for peace where he and Yoko Ono introduced the anti-war and counterculture anthem “Give Peace a Chance,” “Louder Than Words” will showcase the intersection between rock and politics. It will explore how artists exercise their First Amendment rights, challenge assumptions and beliefs, stimulate thought and effect change. Beyond music’s influence on the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and gender equality, the exhibit will also feature other significant moments and figures.
Both the Rock Hall and Newseum are recognized for programs and events featuring thought leaders and popular speakers from entertainment, business and politics. Complementing the “Louder Than Words” exhibit, both Museums will host a series of programs focusing on rock music’s role as a revolutionary art form and driver of social change.
ABOUT THE NEWSEUM:
The mission of the Newseum is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through exhibits, public programs and education. It is the only institution in the world dedicated to championing the five freedoms of the First Amendment; religion, speech, press, assembly and petition. One of the top attractions in Washington, DC, the dynamic, engaging and interactive experience offers seven levels of exhibits that encourage visitors to consider the evolution of freedom of expression, and to explore the meaning of freedom in an age of continual technological disruption. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. For more information, visit newseum.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE ROCK HALL:
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s mission is to engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. The institution carries out its mission by giving voice to the stories of the people, artifacts and events that shaped rock and roll - through Museum exhibits, materials in the Museum’s Library and Archives, traveling exhibitions, and a wide array of innovative educational programs and activities. The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. On Wednesdays (and Saturdays through Labor Day), the Museum is open until 9 PM. For more information, please call (216) 781-ROCK (7625), visit rockhall.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@rock_hall) and Instagram (@rockhall.)
