Les Paul Exhibit Opens at Waukesha County Museum

After years of planning, an exhibit honoring guitarist Les Paul opened Sunday at the Waukesha County Museum.

The 2,000-square-foot exhibit, "Les Paul: The Wizard of Waukesha" takes visitors on an experiential journey through Les Paul’s life, featuring eight chapters presented in the inventor’s own words. 

A special section is dedicated to both his mother and his wife, Mary Ford, two women who profoundly influenced him. Interactive elements are woven throughout, including a Dream Wall, sponsored by American Family Insurance, that encourages guests to share their dreams with the world.

One-of-a-kind artifacts and memorabilia, including rare guitars, Les Paul’s personal belongings and original inventions are also on display. Several valuable artifacts on loan from The Les Paul Foundation will also be in the Treasures Gallery section of the exhibit.

The exhibit "goes beyond traditional exhibits by connecting guests of all ages with his life story, including one of the biggest influences on his career – his hometown,” Kirsten Lee Villegas, president and CEO of the museum said in statement. “It’s like nothing else ever created to honor him because it focuses on who Les was, and how he thought, inspiring people to pursue their dreams.”

Among those who attended Sunday's opening was Jack Larson. Even though he was born long after Paul helped pioneer the solid-body electric guitar, but Larson told WISN 12 News that the exhibit is introducing him to Paul's music and inventions.

"This is really interesting because personally, I've always liked the guitar, so this is a cool way to learn more about the electric guitar and the evolution of music.  And Les Paul seems like a really cool guy, so I'm excited to learn more about him here," Larson told the station.

The museum announced in 2010 that it hoped to bring a Les Paul exhibit to Waukesha. Paul was Waukesha native who died in August 2009 at age 94 and is buried in Waukesha at Prairie Home Cemetery.

The Waukesha County Museum, located at 101 W. Main St. in Waukesha, is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors aged 62 and above, $5 for college students and teens ages 13 to 17 years, $4 for children ages 6 to 12 years, and free for children 5 and under.

There is an additional fee for the Les Paul exhibit.

Related links

Museum: Details and ticket info on Les Paul exhibit

Patch: Les Paul Exhibit Receives Tourism Grant

Patch: Musician Sam Llanas Pays Tribute to Les Paul