National Music Centre: Explore Canadian Music History

Experience the excitement of a music festival at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Explore exhibitions, Canadian Halls of Fame, interactive instrument installations, and vocal booths!

Duration: 1 day
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre - The mission of the National Music Centre to give Canada a place that amplifies the love, sharing and understanding of music.  It is a national catalyst for discovery, innovation and renewal through music. At Studio Bell, we are preserving and celebrating Canada’s music story and inspire a…
What's Included
  • Regular tours featuring demonstrations with rare instruments
  • Breathtaking modern architecture and stunning city views
  • Five floors of exhibitions that celebrate music in Canada
  • Four Canadian Halls of Fame with historic artifacts
  • Interactive music activities for all ages and skill levels
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Guided tours
  • Access to artist recording spaces
  • Parking
Additional Information

Imagine if a trip to the museum was just as thrilling as attending a music festival? That’s exactly the vibe the National Music Centre (NMC) aims to capture at their exhibitions in Studio Bell. Your entry pass grants you access to five floors worth of exhibits that chronicle the tale of music in Canada. Pay homage to musical legends in the numerous…

Location
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
850 4 Street SE, East Village
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(39 Ratings)
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Brian
Aug 3, 2024
A must visit for the music lover. - The museum has a nice selection of information about Canadian music history, as well as a large collection of instruments and vintage equipment. The best part (in my opinion) was the live band (Rock the Nation) that played snippets of songs from impactful Canadian artists, which made the visit fun and enjoyable. Well worth the visit and ticket price!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skippyone
May 24, 2024
Violins of Hope - The Violins of Hope exhibit is a must see. This beautifully curated gathering is both inspiring and horrific. We were lucky to have the curator speak to us and the stories of putting on this exhibit and the discovery of new information that will be added to this travelling show is fascinating as well as a true labour of love. My heart is full and I love the testimony to survival and the power of music that this display embodies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colin_m
Apr 12, 2024
Canadian Music Hall of Fame - Seeing and being reminded about all the amazing musical talent Canada has provided. The exhibits were well laid out and very informative. Would highly recommend if you are in Calgary.
Review provided by Viator
Ladyn516
Sep 14, 2023
A great way to spend a few hours - While I am a huge music buff, I know next to nothing about Canadian music so I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to visit. But I am so glad I did. I spent well over 3 hours exploring this museum (and found out I actually do know a lot of Canadian music artists- i just never realized they were Canadian lol). Lots to see, do and learn. Highly recommend if you're in Calgary!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Balraj_t
Aug 27, 2023
Great interior architecture - For visitors or natives an insight into music in general and most particularly all genres of Canadian music from it's roots to the present day. Plenty of memorabilia and educational material for children but the building's design as with the nearby Calgary Public Library is well worth photographing for any photographer. The staff were friendly and welcoming too.
Review provided by Viator
Travelwaves
Aug 7, 2023
Go to Studio Bell- attractive, interesting architecture and information in 6 floors about Canadian Music - The best place to go in Calgary, perhaps the best music museum I ever visited! Six floors about Canadian musicians, their stories, their instruments, especially guitars. Also studies about music and memory and mental health and involvement in trying guitar playing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ht01
Aug 2, 2023
An excellent way to spend 2 hours in Calgary - There are 5 floors covering Canadian contemporary music. It goes thru the main and lesser know artists, but is also highly interactive as you can use the instruments. It takes a couple of hours to go around. There is currently a great exhibition of Nickelback. The restaurant could be more extensive but there is more down the road. If there is any criticism it's not about the museum but the roigh SE area it is located in. It's obviously a regeneration project but the police need to clean up the hobos and druggies in the area to make it safer and more appealing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
491arleneq
Apr 29, 2023
Actionable Summit 2023 - This experience is unique and the building is amazing. I paid for the tour and it was well worth the extra. The organs recital at 12 with the old theatre organ sours you into the air and was quite a highlight. You can touch and play some and learn more of their history with the interactive screens. If you like Nickelback there is a whole room.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Briank498
Oct 3, 2021
Excellent time for any one liking music history - This was a very informative and interactive self tour. From old instruments like harpsichords to Elton John’s piano plus the Canadian music hall of fame members. A theramin to try and other interactive displays. The highlight was the 1924 Theatre organ that we heard demonstrated. Musicians also played and sang at different times while we were there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James-slyk
Sep 26, 2021
Fantastic Facility! - I went to see the Geddy Lee bass guitar exhibit a couple of years ago and the facility was fantastic! Lots to see, do and learn there! Plan to go back again at some point.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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