The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois is set to receive the largest hand-made guitar sculpture ever created. The artwork, named GIGANTAR, will begin its journey to the museum on January 14th, starting with a launch party at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. GIGANTAR will then travel across five states on an open flat-bed truck, making stops at prestigious and historical sites along the way. The sculpture will arrive in Joliet on January 16th, where a celebratory lighting ceremony will take place outside the museum at 9 W. Cass Street at 5:00pm. The ceremony is open to the public and will feature many acclaimed Illinois musicians in attendance, including Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.

GIGANTAR was commissioned by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and was created by world-renowned artist Shannon (MacDonald). Shannon has created artwork for many in the entertainment industry, sports, and politics, including Cheap Trick, The Beatles, Sylvester Stallone, James Dean, Jackie Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, Princess Diana of Wales, JFK Jr., and more. The 24-foot-tall sculpture will be the museum's icon and is sure to draw music lovers from all over the world to see it in person.

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The journey of GIGANTAR is being sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Heritage Corridor Destinations, Old National Bank, Legacy Express Trucking, D'Arcy Buick GMC, and Harrah's Joliet Hotel & Casino. The Heritage Corridor CVB played a key role in securing a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to fabricate and mount the sculpture on the outside of the museum.

Follow GIGANTAR's journey on the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66's Facebook and Instagram pages using the hashtag #ilrr66gigantar. Be sure to share your own photos with the museum as well. This is sure to be an exciting and memorable event for all involved, and a great addition to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum.

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