National Music Museum Receives Major Gift from T. Denny Sanford

The National Music Museum (NMM) is excited to announce a $1 million gift from South Dakota philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford to support the museum’s ongoing exhibit renovation project. This generous donation will play a pivotal role in advancing the renovation of the museum’s second-floor galleries, bringing the NMM closer to completing its vision for a world-class visitor experience.

The National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota, recently received a transformative gift from philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford to support the museum’s ongoing exhibit renovation project.

“This significant gift marks a milestone in the museum’s efforts to enhance our offerings and expand our educational impact,” said Scott Lawrence, NMM board chairman. “It provides essential momentum toward the completion of our exhibit renovation project, ensuring that the NMM will continue to inspire and educate future generations.”

In 2023, the NMM successfully completed the renovation of its first-floor exhibits, featuring seven galleries that explore the many ways we are shaped by music – in our homes, places of worship, entertainment venues, and the world marketplace using stories, sound and interactive displays. Since then, the museum has continued fundraising efforts to finish the second-floor galleries, which will further enhance the museum's mission of providing unique, educational experiences that celebrate the world of music and musical instruments.

"The generosity of Mr. Sanford is pivotal for the future of the National Music Museum," said Dwight Vaught, executive director of the NMM. "We have been working for some time to bring the museum alive with renovated galleries and exhibits. With this gift, we are one step closer to realizing that goal.”

The National Music Museum opened its renovated first-floor galleries in 2023. Work continues on the second floor.

When complete, the NMM’s second-floor galleries will explore the groundbreaking contributions of inventors and innovators in the world of music, highlighting the technology and craftsmanship that have shaped the sound of instruments throughout history. Visitors will experience the intersection of art and science, with exhibits that showcase the ingenuity behind some of the world’s most iconic musical instruments.

The second-floor renovations feature a gallery that explores the science of sound, offering visitors a hands-on learning experience about how sound works and how instruments produce different sounds.

“We are grateful to Mr. Sanford for his generous support of the National Music Museum,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “This gift will benefit generations of USD students, increasing their access to world-renowned instruments and music history. As the museum continues to evolve, so will the opportunities for our students and our community.”

The National Music Museum is home to some of the world's most significant and beautifully crafted stringed instruments, made by master luthiers such as Andrea Amati, Antonio Stradivari and Jacob Stainer. The renovated second-floor galleries will showcase these luthiers and their exquisite craftsmanship.

This renovation underscores the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating our shared history through music. The National Music Museum, located on the campus of the University of South Dakota, is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of musical instruments, spanning cultures, centuries and genres. The National Music Museum is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.