Martin Guitar Museum Unveils New Joan Baez Exhibit

The Martin Guitar Museum is thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new exhibit celebrating the life and musical legacy of the legendary Joan Baez, marking the first time a museum exhibit will be dedicated solely to her guitars and original artwork.

A cultural icon and folk music pioneer, Baez has inspired generations with her soul-stirring music, unwavering commitment to social justice, and dedication to making the world a better place. The Martin Guitar Museum is honored to pay tribute to this extraordinary artist by hosting this exclusive exhibit, featuring an incredible collection of instruments, artwork, memorabilia, and personal items from Baez’s illustrious career.

The exhibit takes visitors on a timeless journey through her life’s work, from her early interest in the arts through her enduring impact on popular music, civil rights, anti-war movements, and humanitarian causes. The exhibit includes:

• Baez’s iconic 1929 Martin 0-45 and signature prototype
• Original paintings and drawings, rare photographs, and tour memorabilia
• Handwritten lyrics, letters, setlists, and more

Visitors will also have the chance to learn more about Baez’s collaboration with C. F. Martin & Co.® and the role Martin guitars played in shaping her distinctive sound.

To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, the Martin Guitar Museum hosted an exclusive press event on November 14, 2023, featuring access to the exhibit, special guest speakers, and a musical performance from Sage Bava in Baez’s honor.

The exhibit will be open to the public through April 2024. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of Joan Baez and her profound influence on the world of music and activism.

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Additional Detailed Photos of the Exhibit are Available Upon Request

Highlights of the Exhibit:

The (I929 0-45) Martin Guitar on which Joan performed “We Shall Overcome” at the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, JR. on March 28, 1963.

The hand-written letter she wrote to her parents from (1965) where she outlined her plans to start a peace movement

Second guitar of note – 1880 0-40 from Martin Museum’s collection. For a period of about three years between 1966 and 1968, Joan Baez used this 0-40 both personally and in her professional performances around the world. In addition, she recorded her 1967 album “Joan” with this guitar. Her handwritten set list, on the treble side of the guitar, includes several of Bob Dylan’s protest songs of the era. The guitar was originally loaned to Joan by her friend Joan Saxe of Sebastopol, California. It was acquired by the Martin Museum  through Freeman Auction House in 2015.

The third guitar in the exhibit is a prototype of Joan’s artist model.  When Joan sent her well-worn 1929 0-45 to Martin for repairs in 1996,  the Martin repair staff noticed that the words “Too Bad You Are A Communist” had been written on the underside of the top. When Joan heard this, she was at first surprised, then amused. She supposed it had been done by a repairman years ago who disputed her politics. When the 0-45 was replicated for a 1997 edition, a backward label bearing the same slogan was adhered to the inside of the soundboard so that it could be read with an inspection mirror. Joan enjoys sharing this story in concert.

10 pieces of Joan’s original artwork including a painting of Bob Dylan

Personal photographs and hand-written lyrics selected by Joan from her personal collection