Flooding in Asheville: The Devastating Impact on Moog Music and the City's Creative Spirit

Recent flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, has wreaked havoc across the city, leaving many residents and businesses struggling to recover. Among those hardest hit are the iconic Moog Museum and the Moog Music Factory, two vital hubs for music lovers and creators worldwide. Known for their role in the development of electronic music, these spaces celebrate the legacy of Robert Moog, the pioneer of the synthesizer.

Asheville boasts a robust progressive art and music scene. Photo by Pablo Herrera.

When I visited Asheville in 2021, I was immediately struck by its vibrant community. The city’s rich mix of art, music, and culture made it feel like a hidden gem. I spent hours exploring the Moog Museum and the Moog Music Factory, immersing myself in the legacy of electronic music’s most important innovator. I wandered through the thriving River Arts District, where galleries, studios, and live performances seemed to pulse with creative energy. It was clear to me that Asheville’s heart beats through its people, its art, and its music.

Now, in the wake of the devastating floods, that very heart has been affected. While the Moog Museum and Music Factory suffered significant damage, they are not alone. Asheville’s entire River Arts District—home to countless galleries, local businesses, and performance spaces—was hit hard by the rising waters. Many of the artists, musicians, and small business owners who call this city home are now facing the daunting task of rebuilding. The flood didn’t just damage buildings; it disrupted the city’s creative lifeblood, leaving the community in shock.

Images below: The Moog Factory in Asheville photographed by Pablo Herrera in 2021.

The flooding has been especially difficult for those who rely on the city's arts scene for their livelihoods. For a city like Asheville, where the arts and culture are integral to both the economy and its identity, the loss is profound. The vibrant murals, public art installations, and galleries that line the streets were suddenly underwater, a heartbreaking blow to a community that takes pride in its artistic expression.

Help Asheville recover and rebuild its vibrant arts and music community. Donate today.

While much of the focus has been on the damage to beloved cultural landmarks like the Moog Museum and Music Factory, it’s important to remember the broader impact. Thousands of residents were affected—homes were flooded, businesses destroyed, and the city's creative spirit temporarily stifled. Yet, as always, Asheville’s resilience shines through. The community has come together to support one another, from local artists helping clean up the arts district to neighbors organizing fundraisers for those hit hardest by the flood.

Images below: The Moog Museum in Asheville. Left: photographed by Pablo Herrera in 2021. Right: The Moog Museum after flooding in late September 2024. Photograph, Moog Foundation.

For those wanting to help, donations to local relief funds are critical in supporting both individuals and businesses as they work to rebuild. The Moog Foundation is accepting donations to restore the museum, and there are various local organizations offering direct support to the arts district and residents. Volunteering, donating, and supporting local businesses are all ways we can ensure Asheville’s creative heartbeat continues, stronger than ever.

Images below: The River Arts District in Asheville. Right: photographed by Pablo Herrera in the summer of 2021. Left: Asheville River Arts District flooded in late September 2024.