The Punk Rock Museum
Museum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Punk Rock Museum is a 12,000-square-foot space dedicated to the punk rock music genre, which opened on April 1, 2023.[1] Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, the museum was founded by "Fat Mike" Burkett of the band NOFX, and developed by Burkett and production manager Lisa Brownlee. It is governed by a ten-person collective of musicians and museum investors including Burkett, co-founder Pat Smear (The Germs), and skateboarder Tony Hawk.
Pat Smear
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| Established | April 1, 2023 |
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| Location | 1422 Western Ave, Las Vegas, Nevada, US 36°9′14.544″N 115°9′37.85″W |
| Founder | "Fat Mike" Burkett Pat Smear |
| Website | www |
History
The Punk Rock Museum was founded by NOFX frontman Mike Burkett, also known as Fat Mike, and developed by Burkett and production manager Lisa Brownlee.[2][3] It is governed by a ten-person collective of musicians and museum investors including Burkett, co-founder Pat Smear (The Germs), and skateboarder Tony Hawk.[2] Burkett invited Canadian punk rock musician Talli Osborne to become the museum's spokesperson, who would be responsible for representing the museum at punk music events.[4]
Overview
The museum houses more than 1,000 artifacts documenting the history of the punk rock music genre from its birth to the present day.[5] The exhibits, contributions by bands and members of the worldwide punk community, include fliers, artwork, clothing, and instruments used in recordings and on tours by notable punk musicians.[6] Prominent features include molds for the signature helmets of Devo and a photograph of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain sitting on a couch, with the accompanying couch.[1] Founder Burkett has stated the museum is planned as all-inclusive, inviting punk musicians globally to submit memorabilia, stating "We'll let anybody into our world unless you're really annoying. Or a rock star. You can't act like a rock star, because then you get kicked out."[3] As of 2023, guided tours are offered by punk musicians themselves, including members of The Vandals, Social Distortion, and Less Than Jake.[7][6] The museum plans to create travelling exhibitions of its collection in the future.[3]
Housed inside the museum is The Triple Down,[8] a sister dive bar to P. Moss' Double Down Saloon;[9] The Jam Room, a room with donated musical instruments for visitors to utilize; and a chapel offered for weddings and wakes.[1] There is also the Wall of Insignificant and Unknown Bands, where punk bands of any background are invited to post their band fliers.[7]