The Children's Museum set to open newest rockin' exhibit
Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars to showcase unique artifacts,
educate visitors on pop culture influence of rock 'n' roll

INDIANAPOLIS—This Saturday, June 12, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will open the doors to its newest exhibit, Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars. The exhibit will provide children and families the opportunity to experience a musical genre that captivated the nation 60 years ago and continues to influence the world to this day.

Visitors will be able to experience, watch and listen to rock performances; make music of their own in The Studio; see real objects associated with some of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest legends and newest stars, including instruments, costumes and vehicles; share personal memories of fan and cultural experiences; and gain knowledge of the many professions within the music industry.

“The Children’s Museum prides itself on providing fun, educational and unique family experiences,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum. “Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars contains a wonderful mix of real objects, fascinating information and hands-on activity. We’re confident visitors will really enjoy the exhibit this summer.”

Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars includes several classic rides used personally, on tour and in music videos by some of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest personalities, including a 1999 KISS Plymouth Prowler with trailer; a 1950 Mercury Custom Convertible used by David Lee Roth; and a 1953 Buick Skylark used by James Hetfield of Metallica with matching amp and guitar.

In addition to the cars, several unique artifacts are located throughout the exhibit, including guitars played and/or signed by John Lennon, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and several others; ticket stubs and memorabilia from significant Indianapolis concerts; and costumes and outfits worn by stars of the past and present.

And while significant focus is given to these objects, no exhibit at The Children’s Museum would be complete without multiple opportunities for fun and educational family interaction. In Rock Stars, families can design their own album cover, dress up like a rock star and learn famous signature moves, and hit the recording studio to test their vocal and instrumental talent.

“For the past several years, the museum has put an emphasis on creating and offering exhibits that appeal to a wide range of ages and demographics,” said Patchen. “The artifacts and artists
in Rock Stars represent 60 years of rock ‘n roll history. There is not a single person today that
has not, in some way, been affected by rock ‘n’ roll’s influence on popular culture and society
in general.”   

Other remarkable items in Rock Stars, Cars, and Guitars include:

• A 1976 black Bicentennial Harley custom made for Elvis
  
• The Beatles gold record for “I Want to Hold Your Hand” with autographs
  
• A three-day Woodstock ticket and program
  
• Handwritten lyrics to John Mellencamp’s “Small Town”
  
• Ryan White’s 1989 Ford Mustang given to him by Michael Jackson

The exhibit will run until Sept. 12 and is free with general admission to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Rock Stars, Cars & Guitars is presented by Church Brothers Collision Repair and supported by
Coca Cola.

###