Monmouth University Announces New Bruce Springsteen Archives Building

• Monmouth University in New Jersey hosted many early Bruce Springsteen concerts and is located a few blocks away from where he wrote "Born to Run" in 1974.
• The private university announced plans to build a new 30,000-square-foot building to house the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.
• It is expected to open in spring 2026.

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music is getting a new building at Monmouth University in New Jersey.

The 30,000-square-foot facility will be located on campus and house Springsteen's archives, the Center for American Music, exhibition galleries, and a 230-seat theater.

"Monmouth University is excited to enrich our campus with a new home for one of the country's premier cultural and educational institutions dedicated to preserving the legacy of Bruce Springsteen and the story of American music," Monmouth University President and Chair of the Archives Board Patrick F. Leahy said in a press release.

"This beautiful and functional facility will enhance cultural and educational opportunities in New Jersey and our region, expand academic scholarship, and position Monmouth University as a national leader in arts education."

The Bruce Springsteen Archives is the official repository for Springsteen's songs and other written works, according to the university. It also stores photographs, recordings, films, and artifacts of Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Exhibit space will tell the story of Springsteen, along with other American music legends who influenced his work, including Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, and Frank Sinatra.

The theater will have the capacity to host performances, film screenings, and lectures. The university is also planning to use the space to teach students.

"Our institution will offer exciting research opportunities for students, journalists, and historians and give Springsteen fans the chance to explore his music and the role it plays in American history like never before," Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, said in the release.

Springsteen has deep ties to the private New Jersey university. Monmouth University hosted many early Springsteen concerts and is located a few blocks away from where he wrote "Born to Run" in 1974.

"It's not surprising that Springsteen selected Monmouth University to be the steward of his legacy," the archives website reads.

"The creation of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University ensures that his influence, and his importance in, American music history endures for generations to come."