- Hours: Tuesday- Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Admission: $5-$8
- Location: Museum of Making Music 5790 Armada Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Phone: (760) 438-5996
Fax: (760) 438-8964
Toll Free: (877) 551-9976 - Website: http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/
Whenever you happen to be in Carlsbad and want to visit something truly interesting and exciting, you must go to the National Museum of Making Music. This extraordinary museum is located just 35 minutes away from Downtown San Diego and it’s a great opportunity to find out more about the world’s most famous instruments. The National Museum of Making Music features music events and exhibitions, collections of old and modern musical instruments, and presents the entire history of music. The museum is opened every day, except Monday, from 10 am till 5 pm. So, you can visit it anytime you want. The admission for adults is $8. Seniors, students and Active Military pay only $5. Also, parking is free for everyone.
The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad was founded by Henry Steinway. He was the president of the piano company called Steinway & Sons. The location of the museum is also the headquarters of NAMM or the International Music Products Association. Currently, the museum accommodates more than 450 musical instruments. They are grouped according to different time periods so as to highlight the music history. The displays used to show music genres and instruments have evolved and developed in time. The institution also features various unique instruments and historically important pieces. These items were donated by the members. Thus, there is no wonder that this museum includes the world’s most diverse and largest collections of musical instruments.
The music history is brought to life by the Museum of Making Music. There is also a special room where guests are allowed to play various musical instruments. Music boxes play different kinds of music and the videos explain the special exhibits. It takes about 2 hours to visit the entire museum. Most of the tours are provided on Saturdays and they’re free of charge. There is a children’s guide for the little ones who will ask kids questions and will offer them interactive tours.
The Museum of Making Music has various permanent displays, but also a few temporary exhibitions. These exhibits last up to 6 months and the most notable have been “The Beatles Sound” and “The Violin in America”. Moreover, the museum offers exhibits in its interactive room. You can start playing drums, strumming a banjo or touch an electric guitar. It will be a real adventure. The music events are also on the agenda. It hosts various lessons, lectures and concerts.
The premier location of the museum offers stunning views over the Pacific Ocean and the Carlsbad Flower Fields. The Museum of Making Music is surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes situated at the crossroads between Paseo del Norte and Palomar Airport. Opened in 2000, the beautiful museum has become a famous cultural destination for those passionate about music and art. Its educational and interactive exhibits and programs are popular among individuals of all ages. The 5 galleries that present the evolution of music and the musical instruments are visited by thousands of people every year.