The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center marked the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” with a summer exhibition highlighting the Jersey Shore city’s influence on the legendary album.
The exhibit, which opened Aug. 18 with a reception Aug. 19, was presented in collaboration with Monmouth University and the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. It spotlighted Springsteen’s formative years living in West End, where he wrote “Born to Run,” the 1975 album that cemented his place in rock history.
A section of the exhibition focused on West End in the 1970s, exploring its lasting impact on Springsteen’s music and career. Visitors also learned about his surfing days along the Shore and the local culture that shaped his early artistic voice.
Rarely seen posters, photographs and promotional materials from the “Born to Run” era were on display, alongside notable artifacts such as a green drum set from Springsteen’s early band, Earth, and an exact replica of the guitar featured on the album cover.
The interactive exhibit invited guests to share personal memories of Springsteen on vintage-style Long Branch postcards. Those reflections will be preserved in the Bruce Springsteen Archives, which is scheduled to open its new home on the Monmouth University campus in 2026.
“Bruce Springsteen is one of the most iconic and influential musicians to have ever lived and we are proud of his roots here in Long Branch,” Mayor John Pallone said. “Not many people know the importance of his time spent in Long Branch and how it shaped specifically the ‘Born to Run’ album.”
Bob Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, called the album “unquestionably one of the greatest rock albums of all time.” He noted that Springsteen wrote it just blocks from the site of the Archives’ future home.
Monmouth University President Patrick F. Leahy said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving the Jersey Shore’s cultural legacy and its influence on American music.
The Long Branch Arts & Cultural Center will continue to host programs tied to the exhibit, including a Springsteen song open mic night, a presentation on his years in Long Branch, and a storytelling event.
For more information, visit longbranch.org or call 732-222-7000 ext. 2050.