Nonprofit and other organizations across the city joined the Violins of Hope Nashville movement as they hosted their own concerts, plays, workshops and other events, using the message of these Holocaust instruments to touch on contemporary social justice issues. In the heart of the city, in an edifying and dignified space, NPL provided the anchor space for the city to circle around as we contemplated this piece of history.

We started conversations about the project in 2016. The library recommended that the Symphony hire an exhibition designer, and we worked closely on the design and exhibit needs. The exhibit included 26 violins, a recreated luthier's workshop, an exhibit on genocide happening across the world and an exhibit about local Holocaust survivors. It was also critical to incorporate our Civil Rights Room into the exhibit to bring the perspective of historic oppression in the U.S.

This exhibit has brought thousands of visitors to the library, including many people from surrounding states and even international travelers. Visitors have been silent, sad, touched, introspective, curious, respectful and open-hearted and have experienced Nashville Public Library in a deep, meaningful way.