Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

First of all, this is a first-rate museum with excellent content and many interactive experiences. I brought my two year old and we had a great time together exploring and interacting with the music collection. As recommended, we started on floors 2 and 3 and then headed up to 4, 5 and back down to 2 where the open theatre is. Second of all, this is an absolutely jaw dropping, gorgeous building, both outside and inside. There is nothing else like this in Calgary - and if you haven't been to it yet, you should make a point. There aren't really words to describe how beautifully the architects wove the outer design into the interior. It's a landmark building for Calgary and a jewel in the crown of the East Village redevelopment. Kudos to everyone who had the foresight to spearhead this incredible centre; the result is phenomenal.
7 years ago (11-02-2018)

Although this is a great place for music, I take acceptation to the greed of the board of directors and management. A good number of the people you see at events are volunteers, giving their time to help make this place a success. A good number of Calgary's elite have donated great sums of money to assist in this venture. However, I find the management a little on the greedy side. The volunteers are asked to give additional monetary donations, as if their time is not enough. Also, any tips given to volunteers are forfeited back to Studio Bell. That is fine, except my complaint is when I give a person a tip for good service, server, coat check, bar tender, I am giving that person a monetary thank you, not the management. Also, I have been told the tip jars are put out by the Management. This seems deceitful and greedy to me. Lets thank the volunteers for their hard work and efforts.
7 years ago (02-05-2018)

I had the best day checking out Canadian Music history and learning about musical instruments. I took the tour which was great, very informative. I was also able to stay for the playing of the Kimble Theatre Organ- amazing, interesting instrument with a great story. Lots to see & learn & do! On site cafe had great healthy food selections as well.
7 years ago (30-04-2018)

Really cool place! Something to check out when traveling for sure. Can spend over 2 hour here easily! There was a demonstration of the organ on the third level and it was beautiful. Never hear so many kinds of notes and sounds come from an old instrument like this! The history of the organ is really cool too! Overall it's a great time. You can interact with some of the exhibits too so you can bring your kids along and they won't be as bored! Parking near by is cheap, spacious, and close by! So there is nothing to worry about! There are also student discounts for a cheaper ticket, you just have to present them your student card!
7 years ago (17-04-2018)

Visited this place with my best friend not too long ago. Admission fee wasn't that bad but that was because we had an advantage with the student admission fee. I love the building's layout and archeticture. It's a good place to take Instagram pictures. There was a lot of interesting instruments. They have some interactive activities/sections/booths but I also found that they have a lot of empty rooms with just stickers/paintings/posters on the wall. We still enjoyed our time in there though. I think we spent 2 hours in there.
7 years ago (25-04-2018)