“GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World,” is now open and takes you on a fascinating exploration of the science, sound, history and pop culture behind the world’s most popular instrument.

You will experience and celebrate the many facets of this iconic instrument, from its origin and continued evolution, to the music it creates and the cultural impact it has had. Explore STEAM concepts like sound waves, frequency, mathematical scales, engineering and more through a wide range of hands-on experiences. And get to know some local guitarists through short biographies and imagery featured throughout the exhibition.

The exhibition features more than 70 instruments and explores the cultural and physical history of the guitar—from lutes and ouds to modern, high-tech and experimental instruments. You will learn about the science behind the guitar and discover how it became the cultural icon it is today.

“The guitar crosses many boundaries—from cultures to sounds to physical materials,” Gabriela Chavarria, Ph.D., Museum vice president of science and exhibition curator says. “Whether you consider yourself a music aficionado, a history buff, a tropical wood connoisseur or simply a curious human, there is something for you in this exhibition, and we’re excited to share it with our communities.”

Big Head Todd and the Monsters began taking shape in 1982 when band members met at Columbine High School. They have since become an American institution, performing with music legends like Neil Young and B.B. King.

Also on display: Mohr’s “most important guitar.”

Rulers, rocks, metal rings, and rubber balls. Janet Feder uses them all as extended techniques to change the sound of her guitar. Unbound by genre, she has worked locally and globally with a diverse landscape of renowned musicians.

Music is a language beyond words for El Javi, whose instrumental songs blend genres from flamenco and world music to rock and bluegrass. El Javi has been a supporting act for Ziggy Marley and prominent flamenco artist Diego el Cigala.

Otis Taylor introduced the “trance blues” genre defined by looping psychedelic beats and emotional lyrics. His award-winning work exploring African-American history and legacies of social injustice has been featured in many films and television shows.

Also on display: A Santa Cruz Otis Taylor signature guitar from Taylor’s own collection.

Grammy winner Bill Frisell started guitar lessons at the Denver Folklore Center in 1964. Today, he’s an acclaimed guitar master and innovator who has worked with hundreds of artists and composed several film scores.

Siblings Miguel and Brenda Aviña strive to create music that represents their Mexican heritage, yet is undeniably American. Their band iZCALLi features Miguel on vocals and guitar, Brenda on bass, and Luiggy Ramirez on drums.