All Feature Articles

Rolling Stones: Exhibitionism Arrives In Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

Exhibitionism The Rolling Stones exhibit has arrived in Nashville, Tennessee. The expansive showcase will be at the Musicians Hall of Fame (401 Gay Street) starting March, 29, 2018 and is currently scheduled to stay through June. Exhibitionism spans the band's 50 plus year history with over 500 items including fashion, instruments and 190 original works of art. Also on site are interactive sound mixing stations, a recording studio, commentary, music, videos and more.


This bold and familiar sign greets Exhibitionism visitors in Nashville.

Even if you prefer the Beatles it may be hard to dispute that the Rolling Stones are the greatest rock and roll band ever. Their longevity alone is a testimony to the title plus the millions of records sold paired with countless world tours along with all the artists that The Stones have inspired. Exhibitionism tells their incredible story though this immersive experience. The first room in the exhibit features electronic time lines of The Stones music and tours. As you can imagine the lists are lengthy. Next is a wall of videos with a looping visual history from their early day all the way through the present. Exhibitionism is packed with memorable such as contracts, hand bills, photos, tour programs and vintage instruments.

A number of the exhibits are full sized including a recording studio along with a recreation of the small (very dirty) flat that The Stones shared when they were a rough and tumble blues band just starting out. A far cry from the luxurious hotels and extravagant live performances that would become their reality. Speaking of large scale shows there were also a number of stage models on display. With roots in the blues some such as Buddy Guy (via video) credit The Stones with introducing white American kids to the traditional black blues by the likes of Muddy Waters.


The Stones would become fashion moguls; in their first flat they started out as slobs.

Art and marketing are also a part of the Rolling Stones' story. Works from Andy Warhol, David Bailey, John Pasche, Walton Ford, Shepard Fairey, Michael Cooper, Christian Piper, Robert Frank and more are featured. John Pasche who designed the iconic "tongue and lip" logo recalled that Mick came to him with a picture of the Hindu goddess Kali which evolved into one of the most recognized symbols of rebellion and sex which encapsulated The Rolling Stones.

In addition to art The Stones were often at the forefront of fashion. In the swinging sixties they could be spotted sporting the colorful clothes of the times. Glam and glitter would find their way into the group's stage gear as well. In the role of the devil Jagger had a set of suits that on the elevated platform at the museum seemed larger than life. Yet the back stage set shows that it's not all glamor with its striped down environment for equipment.


Lots to see on display in Music City.

Exhibitionism gives fans glimpses into the world of the Rolling Stones though album art, backstage and touring paraphernalia, letters, personal diaries and more. This immersive and interactive music exhibition is curated into 9 spectacular thematic galleries, and is the largest touring experience of its kind ever to be staged. It is recommended that you allocate 90 minutes to see it all.

Either before or after enjoying Exhibitionism The Rolling Stones exhibit we recommend also exploring the adjoining Musicians Hall of Fame Museum which honors all musicians and their instruments. The Museum may be in the Capital of Country but it focuses on all genres with exhibits that span the history of American recorded music. It is divided into sections dedicated to different eras intermingled with displays that focus on the artists and their gear. Lesser known sidemen are also given the spotlight in this unique collection which continues to expand. In recent years they have added an interactive Grammy Gallery and they are currently working on spaces dedicated to Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix. The Museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday (10-5) and is also available for private parties.


An early Charlie Watts drum set.

Related Links: For more information on STONES EXHIBITIONISM and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Musicians Hall of Fame


.





Did you know that MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch hosts some of the world's top musicians and songwriters on his regularly scheduled webcast - watch all the episodes here - and please share the links far and wide!





Do you like MCN??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's Latest Single on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!





Squeeze and Adam Ant Squish the Heat With a Cool Night of Music in Nashville



The Nashville Sounds' Bats Were Anything But Dead on a Sweltering Theme Night in Hit City



Elizabeth Cook Brings The Easy Kind Home: Belcourt Screening Caps an Eight‑Year Odyssey



It Was a Big Weekend for the Kats and Cats in Nashville



Nashville Becomes an International Soccer Hub as Premier League Arrives in Music City



Men At Work and Toad the Wet Sprocket Join Forces at The Pinnacle in Nashville



The Countrification of Kentucky Thunder Rolls On at the Ryman's Bluegrass Finale



Niko Moon Launches Roots From Maggie's Place and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville



The Circle Welcomes Three New Voices in Back‑to‑Back Debut Nights at the Grand Ole Opry in Music City



Roots & Rhythms Closes Its Season with a Powerful Night of Story, Song and Tennessee Heritage at The Hermitage



A Living Lineage: Indigenous Artists Reimagining Abstraction Across a Century at the Frist in Nashville



Los Lonely Boys Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Harken Hall in Madison



Threads of Gold: Dolly Parton's Summer Symphony Series Opens in Nashville



Samurai Blue Aim to Become the Team of the Century From Century Farms Training Grounds in Antioch, Tennessee



Patrick Wolf Brings a One‑Night‑Only Storyteller's Spell to 3rd & Lindsley



Melissa Etheridge Lights Up CMA Fest and Turns HiFi Buys Into Her Own Listening Lounge



Rockin' Rich Lynch Returns to the Stage at "Quiet In The Library" Open Mic, Delivering a Literary‑Themed Medley in Southeast Nashville



Travis Bolt Sets the Opry Ablaze With a Soulful, Triumphant Debut



They Were Putting On the Reggae Riffs at New Golf-Themed Venue in Nashville



Beauty From Ashes: A Night of Worship, Witness and Unshakable Hope at the 2026 K‑LOVE Fan Awards





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2026 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved