Bruce Springsteen opened his Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music, a $50 million cultural hub in Long Branch, New Jersey. The 30,000-square-foot space on Monmouth University campus houses artifacts from Springsteen and other American music legends including Frank Sinatra's tuxedo and John Coltrane's saxophone.

The center deliberately avoids being merely a monument to Springsteen, with more than half of its displays dedicated to other artists. "I'm a small link in a big chain," Springsteen said, reflecting the center's mission to showcase the interconnected nature of American music across genres and generations.

Opening ceremonies featured performances by Jon Bon Jovi, Public Enemy, and dozens of other artists across two nights. The event also highlighted the center's "Chimes of Freedom" protest music exhibition, which includes Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis," a direct criticism of current administration policies.