The groundbreaking women who put down the pots and pans and picked up microphones and guitars are the subject of a provocative exhibit making its way around the country. “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” showcases the extraordinary females who fought for their right to rock and took no prisoners.

From Lady Gaga’s meat dress to Patti Smith’s boots held together with duct tape, you’ll find these items on display at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC in conjunction with Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Curator says it’s not meant to be viewed as a fashion show, but to show how female musicians tackle tough issues.

From the early blues women of the 1920′s fighting for equality, to the girl groups of the ’60′s (Ronnetts) and the women of the counterculture (Janis Joplin & Grace Slick), American women have long been paving the way for today’s unapologetic ‘Women Who Rock.’

The exhibit also includes Bonnie Raitt’s Rock Hall of Fame induction speech, Madonna’s gold outfit from her ‘Blonde Ambition’ tour and Cher’s Native American headdress as well as instruments, lyrics, posters and other memorabilia.

Items from some of rock history’s most famous ladies, including the B-52′s, Donna Summer, Stevie Nicks, Cyndi Lauper and Rihanna are also featured.

In case you were wondering, Gaga’s meat dress was dried,then painted back to its bloody color.

The exhibit remains in Washington DC until January 6, 2013. You’ll have other chances to see the traveling show at one of these stops:

• The Durham Museum, Omaha, NE  – Feb. to April 2013
• Experience Music Project, Seattle, WA — June – Sept 2, 2013
• Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, AZ — Oct 2013 – March 2014