Brooklyn Public Library recently announced that JAY-Z’s “The Book of Hov” exhibit will remain open until October. The 40,000 square foot exhibit, which opened Jul 14, provides a microscopic look at JAY-Z’s life through exclusive photos, archived art from his collection, and iconic stage wear.
The library’s towering entrance has been redesigned with JAY-Z lyrics and a cubed screen that plays his music videos centered on its steps. Inside, visitors are treated to eight different sections spanning HOV’s career that include items like a guitar from his Glastonbury 2008 headline show and an experience that allows you to step into a replica of the recording studio where the IZZO (H.O.V.A) singer made a few of his early hits.
The exhibition is one of the largest that Brooklyn Public Library has orchestrated and certainly one of its most star-studded, with the likes of Beyoncé, DJ Khaled, and Questlove making appearances during its inauguration. But don’t worry, the exhibition is free and does not require a library card to enter. In fact, the Brooklyn Public Library’s attendance rate has gone up from an average of 2,500 visitors a day to about 17,500 visitors a day according to a report from NBC 4 New York.
“Jay belongs to the people,” said Desiree Perez, the chief executive of JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, to the New York Times. “It’s a place that feels comfortable. It’s not intimidating. A lot of people go to the museum, but a lot of people don’t.”
This exhibition came as a surprise to JAY-Z who Perez told the New York Times “wouldn’t let us do this.” Now, an exhibit which celebrates the life of a kid who grew up in the Marcy Houses of Brooklyn, N.Y. and became the first rap billionaire, is open for everyone and hopefully inspiring people to chase their dreams.
The exhibition is also available online at www.thebookofhov.com with narration provided by N.Y. radio legend Angie Martinez.
Article by Enzo Luna