The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has officially acquired the Marty Stuart Collection, one of the most significant private collections of country music artifacts in existence. With over 22,000 items, it now joins the museum’s permanent holdings, further enriching the largest public collection of country music memorabilia.
The collection, generously donated by Marty Stuart, was secured through a lead gift from the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, alongside major contributions from Loretta and Jeff Clarke. The nonprofit museum now holds the collection in trust, ensuring meticulous preservation and management.
Spanning more than a century of country music history, Stuart’s collection includes over 1,000 stage outfits, 100 instruments, and 50 original song manuscripts. Among the artifacts are pieces from legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Hank Williams. The collection also highlights Stuart’s own career, featuring his extensive photography, some of which has been displayed in museums and books.
The acquisition was celebrated with a special ceremony at the museum’s Ford Theater, emphasizing Stuart’s dedication to preserving the legacy of country music for future generations.
