A New Exhibit Celebrates the Enduring Legacy of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Fans of American music history are in for a treat as the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers in Tulsa, Oklahoma, prepare to unveil a groundbreaking new exhibit, Stepping Into the Unknown, set to open on February 28. This unique collaboration marks the first time both centers have come together to host a concurrent exhibition, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the profound connection between two of America’s most iconic songwriters. The exhibit is presented in partnership with Searchlight Pictures and draws inspiration from the highly anticipated biopic A Complete Unknown, which explores Bob Dylan’s early years and his pivotal relationship with Woody Guthrie.
At the heart of Stepping Into the Unknown are props and artifacts from A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet as the young Dylan. These items bring to life the story of Dylan’s journey to New York City and his transformative encounter with Guthrie, who was hospitalized at the time. Among the highlights of the exhibit are Guthrie’s harmonica, a letter Dylan wrote to his mentor, and handwritten lyrics to Dylan’s legendary song Blowin’ in the Wind, scribbled on a cocktail napkin. Additionally, the display features fabricated album covers showcasing the film’s stars, including Chalamet and Elle Fanning, in reimagined versions of classic Dylan albums like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. These items not only offer a glimpse into the making of the film but also underscore the real-life friendship and mutual admiration that shaped Dylan’s artistic path.
The exhibit is more than just a celebration of a film; it’s a bridge between Hollywood storytelling and historical truth. As Steve Higgins, managing director of the American Song Archives, remarked, “The relationship between Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie is essential to understanding 20th-century American music. This exhibit will amplify that story by connecting it to the real-life artifacts in our collections.” By weaving together props from A Complete Unknown with the centers’ existing archives, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how the bond between these two musical giants continues to resonate across generations.
To kick off the exhibition, the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers will host a private event on February 27 at Tulsa’s Circle Cinema. The event will feature Arianne Phillips, the Oscar-nominated costume designer of A Complete Unknown, and Steve Gizicki, the film’s music supervisor. This exclusive gathering promises to offer insights into the creative process behind the film and its connection to the legacy of Dylan and Guthrie. For the general public, tickets to the exhibit will be available starting February 17, with members of the centers enjoying early access to reserve their free tickets beginning February 13.
The timing of the exhibit coincides with the buzz surrounding A Complete Unknown, which has garnered eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Chalamet, Best Director for Mangold, and nods for supporting performances by Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger. The film chronicles Dylan’s formative years in New York City, tracing his rise from an unknown folk singer to the moment he electrified the 1965 Newport Folk Festival—a decision that shocked purists but cemented his status as a trailblazer in American music.
Stepping Into the Unknown is more than just a tribute to Dylan and Guthrie; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of music to inspire and transform. By blending the magic of cinema with the rich history preserved in the Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie Centers, this exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, identity, and cultural legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of these musical legends or simply curious about their impact, Stepping Into the Unknown promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you reflecting on the timeless power of their songs—and the unknown possibilities that lie ahead.
