For the first time in history, a museum dedicated to Hip Hop will be erected in the South Bronx community, the birthplace of Hip Hop, as commissioned by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The $3.5 million initiative comes as a part of an effort to implement more economic and community development programs in the state.
The new cultural landmark, named the Universal Hip Hop Museum, “celebrates and preserves the history of local and global Hip Hop to inspire, empower, and promote understanding.”
The museum has been six years in the making and will provide a place for culturally impactful exhibits, virtual reality experiences and creative storytelling to connect visitors to the Hip Hop movement.
The establishment will shed light on the social issues that Hip Hop has addressed in the past and future, such as “social issues of rebellion, racism, urban strife, social injustice and economic inequality of urban communities.”
Fans can expect the museum to delve into the many moving parts that curated the culture of Hip Hop, including poetry, breakdancing, graffiti and fashion, to name a few.
Artist records and gold and platinum plaques will be on display in the museum, along with personal momentos from different rappers, such as Tupac’s handwritten lyrics.
Hip Hop pioneers Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Fab Five Freddy, LL Cool J, and Grandmaster Flash will all serve as ambassadors for the museum, with Chuck D and Kurtis Blow serving on boards.
The New York State Department of Education Board of Regents partnered with sponsors Microsoft, VR Studio Framestore, YouTube, GrooveME, Apeiron Visuals, MIT Center for Advanced Virtual Reality and CARNEVALE to charter the museum.
A pop-up version of the museum is currently available at the Bronx Terminal Market in anticipation of the grand opening of the 50,000 square foot location.
The official museum is scheduled to open at the Bronx Point in 2023.
