International Bluegrass Museum Plans Music Center

Preliminary design for the new International Bluegrass Music Center.

The International Bluegrass Museum notes it has received pledges of $5.8 million for its plans to establish an International Bluegrass Music Center in Owensboro, KY. The center is expected to house its museum collection in addition to a 1,000-seat indoor theater and 2,000-seat outdoor festival space.

Under the plans, an existing state office building will require a $10 million renovation. So far, the city of Owensboro has pledged $3 million towards the proposed project granted the museum is able to raise the additional $7 million needed.

Located just four blocks from the current museum, the expansion is said to nearly triple the space and feature a restaurant, expanded gift shop, library and teaching room.

Earlier this month, International Bluegrass Music Museum’s Terry Woodward noted to the Messenger-Inquirer plans are to raise $3 million from large donors, $3 million from small donors, and $1 million from local businesses.

The museum is working hard to host events expected to raise the funds. In recent months, the museum planned multiple music festivals, fundraisers and traveling exhibits to reach its financial goals.

To receive city assistance, the museum must have all funds in place by August 2013.

To donate, click here.