The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music will open on June 7 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch.
A New Home for the Boss
Almost 10 years after its initial opening, the archives center—formerly known as the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music—held written works and photos, as Monmouth previously held many Springsteen concerts from 1969 to 1974.
The new and improved Springsteen Center will not only aim to preserve Springsteen’s legacy, but also the history of American music and the diversity of artists and genres. Now, the Center is home to nearly 48,000 items from 47 countries, such as concert memorabilia, promotional materials and more.
Concerts, Lectures and More
Designed by COOKFOX Architects of New York, the 32,000-square-foot, $50 million facility will feature “exhibition galleries, research archives, immersive interactive experiences and a 230-seat performance theater” from external donors, according to NJ.com.
According to the University, they also have plans for “intimate concerts, teacher workshops, symposia, lectures, film series, and other public and educational programs” at the Center.
“At 19 … I played on these very steps out here, and so to stand here today is quite humbling knowing that I’m going to be a presence here on this campus, which I really look forward to being,” Springsteen stated about the Center. “It’s deeply satisfying, and I look forward to working with everyone to make the building and this endeavor a great success.”
The archive house will also showcase a new documentary from award-winning director Thom Zimny titled, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The film serves as the first reunion for the band since prior to the pandemic. Rehearsals took place in Red Bank, NJ.
“We are honored to host the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music on our beautiful campus here at the Jersey Shore,” Monmouth University President Patrick F. Leahy said in the press release. “This center reminds us that music has always been one of the most powerful teachers in American life.”
How to Get Tickets
Ticket sales for the Bruce Springsteen Center will be available sometime this April.
Julia is currently a senior at the Ramapo College of New Jersey studying Journalism while also minoring in Creative Writing and Digital Film. While growing up in Bergen County, she enjoyed exploring new restaurants and landmarks while also taking on different sports such as swimming. At college, she's one of the News Editors and writers at the Ramapo News, often crafting article revolving around entertainment, politics and campus events.