National Music Centre Launches Immersive Exhibit Honoring Nelly Furtado
The National Music Centre (NMC), in collaboration with The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), is set to unveil a major feature exhibit dedicated to 2026 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Nelly Furtado. The exhibit will officially open to the public on March 25 at Studio Bell, the NMC's home in Calgary, Alberta.
Celebrating a Genre-Defying Career
This exhibit marks the first of two new displays related to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame that visitors will be able to explore throughout 2026. Nelly Furtado, renowned for her fearless creativity and constant reinvention, has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide and earned multiple JUNO, GRAMMY, and Latin GRAMMY Awards. Her career, spanning over two decades, has continually shaped and redefined the pop music landscape, transitioning from folk-pop luminary to global superstar.
Exhibit Highlights and Treasures
The immersive exhibit will capture Furtado's career that has transcended borders—sonically, culturally, and linguistically—through a rich display of her sound, style, and artistic evolution. Key features include:
- A 20-foot illuminated catwalk showcasing iconic stage outfits from throughout her career, including the black sweater vest from the 2006 "Maneater" video and a custom-designed silver ensemble from her 2024 JUNO Awards performance.
- Original lyric sheets, notebooks, and creative materials that provide an intimate glimpse into Furtado's songwriting process.
- Archival photos, videos, and installations that tell the story of her musical journey.
"Music has always been about exploration for me, and this exhibit captures so many chapters of my journey," said Nelly Furtado. "To have these moments and memories showcased at the National Music Centre is such an honour."
Timing with JUNO Awards and Hall of Fame Induction
The exhibit opens just days before The 55th Annual JUNO Awards on March 29 in Hamilton, Ontario. During the nationally televised ceremony, fans across Canada will witness Furtado's formal induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, where she will join the ranks of the country's most celebrated musical icons.
Broader Context and Future Plans
In addition to the Nelly Furtado feature exhibit, the National Music Centre's entire fifth floor is dedicated to past and present Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees. Another new exhibit celebrating the remaining class of 2026 inductees is scheduled to open later this fall.
"Nelly Furtado is one of Canada's most influential and globally recognized artists, whose career has crossed borders and bridged cultures, and we are honoured to celebrate her," said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO of the National Music Centre. "This exhibit invites fans to reflect on her extraordinary accomplishments while discovering even more of our country's music story."
Allan Reid, President & CEO of CARAS/The JUNO Awards, added, "Few artists have redefined contemporary pop music as boldly as Nelly Furtado. As we prepare to welcome her into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, we're delighted to partner with the National Music Centre on this feature exhibit, recognizing a career that continues to resonate worldwide."
