Seven Must-See Hip-Hop Exhibitions that celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
“The Culture” aka hip-hop is celebrating 50 years this year and has become an iconic staple in American history. As a hip-hop fan and enthusiast (I even wrote a hip-hop book), I am excited to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. And what better way to celebrate than to see the music I grew up with, displayed in museums because it’s art. Here’s 7 must-see hip-hop exhibitions happening this summer to celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary:
Hip-Hop: “Conscious, Unconscious”
Where: Fotografiska, NYC
When: Through May 20
Cost: $30
According to the website, “Conscious, Unconscious” exhibition explores the people, places, and things that hip-hop has delivered unto us. Together with Mass Appeal, Fotografiska has created the definitive destination to celebrate hip-hop’s global impact on visual expression.
This exhibition highlights the raw and rare actual portraits of iconic hip-hop artists such as Biggie, Nas, and Tupac.
2. The Culture: Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art in 21st Century
Where: Baltimore Museum of Arts, Baltimore
When: Through July 16
Cost: $15
The website notes that this exhibition captures the extraordinary influence hip hop has had on contemporary society through more than 90 works of art and fashion by some of today’s most important and celebrated artists and iconic brands.
The exhibition is divided into 6 themes: Language, Brand, Adornment, Tribute, Ascension, and Pose.
3.[ R]evolution of Hip-Hop
Where: Universal Hip-Hop Museum, Bronx
When: May 16-June 30
Cost: $15
As stated on the website, this exhibition immersive journey through Hip Hop History is conceived by creative agents from multiple artistic backgrounds that employ archives and experimental storytelling techniques focusing on the five elements of Hip Hop: MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, Aerosol Art, Knowledge.
This exhibition focuses on the “golden era” of hip-hop—1986-1990. In this exhibition, it will highlight the skills of Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G. Rap.
4. Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop
Where: Albany Center Gallery, Albany
When: August 1-September 2
Cost: Free
This exhibition is in preparation mode and looking for interested artists to contribute. According to their website, the Call for Art & Artists for the exhibition is still open.
5. Hip-Hop Block Party
Where: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, DC
When: August 12
Cost: Free
The second annual hip-hop block party will feature performances, interactive art, and focused exhibits celebrating 50 years of the genre, according to the website. There will be an announcement coming soon regarding the performers.
Last year, this block party was massive, fun, and interactive. I look forward to celebrating hip-hop again at the museum.
6. The Culture: Hip-Hop and Contemporary Art in 21st Century
Where: St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis
When: August 26-January 1
Cost: $12
St. Louis Art Museum collaborated with Baltimore Art Museum and co-created an exhibition for Midwest audience. This exhibition, according to the website, examines the resounding impact of hip hop on contemporary art and culture, including its unique contributions to innovations in music, visual and performing arts, fashion, and technology.
This exhibition differs in it will explore themes such as the complex relationship between capitalism, commodification, and racial identity; hip hop culture’s connection to gender, sexuality, feminism, appropriation, and misogyny; as well as hip hop’s relationship to the art world and the art market.
7. Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop
Where: Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle
When: Through January 7, 2024
Cost: $30
This exhibition explores four decades of photography, from the late 1970s to today, documenting a revolution not just in music, but in politics, race relations, fashion, and culture, according to the website.
In addition to photographs, this exhibition display experience artifacts such as rap battle flyers, manuscripts, and magazines.
Each exhibition has a unique perspective in celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Across the nation, hip-hop is being celebrated. Which exhibition are you excited to visit? Please check out my instagram stories to see which exhibits I visit this summer.