Bruce Springsteen’s legacy is documented in Monmouth University’s new building

The archives of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary music career will be housed in a new building on the Monmouth University campus.

On Wednesday plans are for a new 30,000 square meter facility were announced from the Bruce Springsteen Archives and the Center for American Music at Monmouth University. The space will house the musician’s personal collection song books, Writings, photographs and other artifacts as well as exhibition galleries, a theater with 230 seats and the Center for American Music, which documents the history of music in America.

The school hopes to raise $45 million for the project and open the new building there West Long Branch, New Jersey Campus in spring 2026. Access to the archives is currently possible by appointment at the University.

Monmouth has special meaning for the singer, who hails from Freehold, a Monmouth County neighborhood. The school is not far from where Springsteen wrote his album “Born to Run” nearly five decades ago.

“I think a building with your name on it is a tricky thing,” Springsteen said said at a press conference at the university. “I could get arrested for shooting tequilas in a public park. That could happen.” All I can say is that I will try my best not to do anything that embarrasses a building for the rest of my life.

Springsteen was charged with drunk driving after drinking tequila with a fan in Sandy Hook in 2020, but that wasn’t true dismissed after he agreed to pay a fine.

The Bruce Springsteen Archives is the official repository of Springsteen’s songs, writings, photos, recordings and other relics associated with him and the E Street Band. Hosted by the Center for American Music Concerts, teacher workshops, symposiums, lectures and films. The new building will also house listening booths, outdoor gathering areas and a gift shop.

Freehold works with the Springsteen Archives To establish “My Hometown: The Bruce Springsteen Story Center” in a renovated firehouse on Main Street. The exhibition showcases Springsteen’s career and his role as a community gathering place. It is expected to open next year.

In April, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared September 23, the boss’s birthday, Bruce Springsteen Day to honor the musician’s cultural and artistic contributions.