It's the first retrospective exhibit on Evel's life and it's the largest the Museum has ever put together
This incredible exhibit features legendary pieces including Evel's signature costumes and canes, bikes and helmets, the 16-foot half-motorcycle, half-rocket "SkyCycle" that he used to jump the Snake River Canyon, personal letters and photographs, collectors' toys and memorabilia, x-rays from his dozens of broken bones, and more
The Museum is working with Evel's oldest son, Kelly, to put on the exhibit, and Kelly will be in Milwaukee next weekend for a special program
Untold Stories: An Evening With Kelly Knievel will take place at the Museum on Saturday evening, July 17, and Kelly will talk about his childhood growing up the son of the one of only Evel Knievel and he'll also share family photographs
We hope folks will take a road trip up to Wisconsin to check out this one-of-a-kind exhibit this summer
Learn more about True Evel and the event with Kelly Knievel at our website, www.h-dmuseum.com
HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM ANNOUNCES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND EVEL KNIEVEL RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT
This year marks 35th anniversary of one of Knievel's most famous jumps; H-D Museum invites people to celebrate the rebel spirit this summer ~
From biplane walkers to the thick-headed stuntmen of Jackass, the daredevils of history have traded great risk and the likelihood of significant injury for attention, fame and fortune. In the 1970s, one such daredevil - arguably the most famous one of all time - rose to stardom and inspired people young and old around the world. This summer, the Harley-Davidson Museum will celebrate that daredevil through an exclusive, first-of-its-kind temporary exhibition - the largest the Museum has ever presented.
True Evel: The Amazing Story of Evel Knievel will run July 10 - September 6 and will tell the story of Evel Knievel through fascinating artifacts drawn from both the Harley-Davidson Archives and the Knievel family collection. Visitors will see legendary pieces including his signature leathers and cane, personal photographs and letters, collectors' toys and memorabilia, and the half-motorcycle, half-rocket "Skycycle" used to jump the Snake River Canyon.
Setting numerous death-defying records over his career, Knievel's bike of choice was the Harley-Davidson XR-750 and he was sponsored by the Motor Company through most of the 1970s. From Knievel's early start in Butte, Montana to his transformation into a larger-than-life master showman, marketer, and folk hero with international appeal, the 10,000-square-foot exhibit will engage visitors with the story of the man behind the seemingly fearless performer.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of Knievel's famous Wembley Stadium jump in London May 26, 1975. During this pivotal stunt, Knievel crashed while trying to land a jump over 13 buses, broke his back, and announced to the 90,000 fans present that he would never jump again - though, of course, he did.
Kids growing up in the 70s did wild things to emulate Knievel and his stunts, and the heroic inspiration he provided to those aspiring daredevils still resonates today. In that spirit, the Harley-Davidson Museum invites visitors to celebrate the "little Evel in all of us" this summer.
The Museum will host "Untold Stories: An Evening with Kelly Knievel" on Saturday, July 17. Evel's oldest son will tell stories about life with Evel and share rare family photographs. Tickets are available on the Museum's website.
Harley-Davidson Museum Background
The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a reflection of American history and pop culture like you've never seen it before - through the lens of a true American icon, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Inspiring to riders and non-riders alike, the Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience through dynamic exhibits, rare artifacts and an unparalleled collection of the legendary stories of America's last century. The 130,000 square-foot Museum complex opened to the public in July 2008 and has been thrilling visitors ever since.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is the perfect destination for a summer road trip, bringing an important piece of the American story to life in an interesting and engaging way. More than 450 vehicles and thousands of artifacts make up the Museum's 107-year old collection. The objects on view tell stories that fascinate visitors from around the world, such as the mysterious Serial Number One, the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence, and paperwork proving that Elvis Presley purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle just days before he became famous with the hit single, "Heartbreak Hotel." The Museum's impressive variety of permanent displays range from Harley-Davidson and the Military, which showcases heroic veterans' stories and Harley-Davidson's efforts to serve the country, to Custom Culture, which shows how Harley-Davidson motorcycles have impacted American pop culture and fueled the public's fascination with the rebel biker image through the Hollywood film industry.
In addition, the Museum architecture is itself worth the visit, featuring unique urban design elements inspired by Milwaukee's rich industrial heritage, including an "exo-skeleton" made up of more than 1,200 tons of galvanized steel beams. The Museum is located in the heart of Milwaukee, surrounded on three sides by the Menomonee River and includes wide open green spaces, park-like vistas, and a beautifully landscaped river walk for all visitors to enjoy. Visitors can make a day of it by checking out other hot spots on the Museum campus, including Motor Bar & Restaurant, Cafe Racer, and The Shop retail store.
Especially for families: Every Sunday is Family Day at the Museum, featuring story time at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a temporary tattoo artist on-site, art projects and special activities, a complimentary cookie with every meal at Motor Bar & Restaurant and Cafe Racer, and more.
About the Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street and is open year-round. For more information on the Museum's galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets, hours, and more, visit www.h-dmuseum.com
True Evel: The Amazing Story of Evel Knievel
Harley-Davidson Museum
Milwaukee, WI
Now - Sept 6
www.h-dmuseum.com
