Press Release: Special Exhibit to Open at Clinton Center; Favorite Songs; White House Music Room Featured
The first temporary exhibit in the Clinton Presidential Center will open Saturday, May 28.
“A World of Music” features former President Bill Clinton's love of music and the impact it had on him. It includes Elvis memorabilia; “Hands that Built America” lyrics by Bono, who performed at the Center’s November 18 dedication; and a “Meet the Beatles” album given to George Harrison's sister, Lou, and signed by all of the Beatles.
“Music has had a powerful influence on my life, helping me learn how to mix practice and patience with creativity, and how to be both an individual performer and a good member of a team. And because I know what a contribution music can make in the lives of young people, I’ve worked to bring music education into public schools,” said President Clinton. “I’m looking forward to sharing this special music exhibit with all those who come to visit our Center in Little Rock.”
“Presidential Libraries traditionally have organized a wide variety of temporary exhibits, and we will continue this tradition here at the Clinton Center,” said Christine Mouw, library curator.
Designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates of New York, who designed the Center's permanent exhibits, “A World of Music” contains 68 artifacts. These artifacts include foreign and domestic gifts from the Center's collection, as well as items on loan from President Clinton's personal collection. One of the highlights is the re-creation of a portion of the President's Music Room in the White House with some of the original instruments and memorabilia on display. Visitors will also be able to access a range of the President's favorite songs at a listening station.
Among the other exhibited items will be a Gibson Lucille-style guitar presented to President Clinton at the VH-1 Concert of the Century and autographed by B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, NSYNC, Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks, Lenny Kravitz, John Fogerty, Gloria Estefan and John Mellencamp, and a Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar signed by the Isley Brothers.
In addition, there is an oil painting of B.B. King by Thea Leopolous, a family friend of the Clintons, who died in a car accident at age 17. Also included are music-related Head of State gifts from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney of Canada; Vaclav Havel, president of the Czech Republic; and Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China and Madame Wang.
The special music exhibit will be on display through December 31. The Clinton Center is open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.
Note: President Clinton Avenue will be closed to traffic during Riverfest, Friday through Sunday. During that time, people can drive to the Clinton Center by entering via 3rd Street and turning left onto Dean Kumpuris Street.
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