Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
4.6
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Explore five floors of exhibitions that tell the story of music in Canada, celebrate music icons at the Canadian Halls of Fame, rock out with our interactive instrument installations and experiment in Soundbox– a music workshop! Everyone is welcome to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
379 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
101
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
7
B411
London, Canada40 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This is an amazing museum, not just an amazing Calgary museum. Studio Bell is one of the best designed and most interactive museums I have been to anywhere, Canada or otherwise. And it isn't just about Canadian music history. There are tons of hands-on exhibits that teach you about the science and history of musical instruments. The placards are easy to read and understand and the exhibits are designed to appeal to all ages from kids to senior citizens, music aficionados to the average person who listens to the radio once in a while. I will definitely be back and put studio Bell on my list of Calgary to-dos for friends and family who come to visit.
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie T
Calgary, Canada102 contributions
Jun 2022
One of the most recent additions to the museum scene in Calgary, this museum in itself is outstanding not only because it is home to the National Music Centre (including the Canadian music hall of fame) but also because of its remarkable architecture. This uniquely shaped building should surely be considered one of Calgary's iconic landmarks, right on par with the Calgary Tower or the Peace Bridge.
The displays are very modern and interactive. Children and adults alike can enjoy activities inside the museum, such as trying out musical instruments, making music with motion, and watching short films highlighting the provinces of Canada and famous musicians and musical styles hailing from each one.
Since the museum is conveniently located at the edge of the East Village, very close to the c-train line and the river walk, a visit can be easily accommodated when visiting that area of the city.
The displays are very modern and interactive. Children and adults alike can enjoy activities inside the museum, such as trying out musical instruments, making music with motion, and watching short films highlighting the provinces of Canada and famous musicians and musical styles hailing from each one.
Since the museum is conveniently located at the edge of the East Village, very close to the c-train line and the river walk, a visit can be easily accommodated when visiting that area of the city.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Eddie,
Thank you for an absolutely stunning review!
Did you know that Studio Bell's architecture is inspired by both parts Canadian landscape and musical instruments?
Next time you visit, we definitely recommend you take part in the Behind-the-Glass tour to learn more about our collection and our architecture!
Thank you,
Studio Bell
Written January 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cpurdye
Toronto, Canada81 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Wow! Fabulous history of Canadian music, including Québécois, in a stunning setting at a very reasonable pay-what-you-can price of $15. There was a Buffy Sainte Marie exhibition with many artifacts covering the many aspects of her career. The permanent exhibits included historical recordings and fun interactive stations. When was I ever going to have the opportunity to play a theramin?
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you for the fabulous review!
Québécois music is a huge part of the Canadian musical landscape and we are thrilled to be home of the ADISQ Hall of Fame. It is certainly rare to come across a Theremin but we are so glad you had a chance to play it!
If you enjoyed the museum we definitely recommend you take a peak at our What's On page to see our upcoming museum programming and live shows
Thank you,
Visitor Experience
Written August 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charles B
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Went on family day with our 2 kids, we were all excited for the acoustic experience and getting to interact with instruments, how disappointed we were. Each exhibition room was a plain space with mostly visual information (and not greatly displayed), not great for a music center. The audio experiences are mostly limited to "put some headphones on", we could get more interesting and exciting information on youtube. There was a couple of instruments you could touch and interact with but not worth the hype. The organ demonstration was fun, but that's about it. Overall, it feels like a 1980s exhibits in a warehouse with a lot of small rooms, I'm not sure why such a big pretentious building for such a poor audio experience.
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SB01
Sonning Common, UK977 contributions
Jul 2022
The museum is almost worth a visit for the stunning architecture, let alone the exhibits. Great, dizzying view down the stairwell from the 5th floor. Each floor is themed. The Canadian Hall of Fame on the 5th will surprise you with the breadth and depth of the acts, but if I'm ultra picky I'd like to see more info and detail about some of the icons, such as Neil Young. The 4th allows you to play some instruments and there is a great collection of electronic instruments and some collectors items, like one of Neil Peart's kits. There are also some fun interactive elements, daily performances and an auditorium. Personally I thought it was not far off the museum in Seattle.
There are excellent amenities and a small, nice cafe.
There are excellent amenities and a small, nice cafe.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi SB01,
We thank you in turn for the superb review! We will never tire of the beautiful architecture at Studio Bell!
Did you know that Studio Bell's architecture is inspired by the Canadian landscape as well as acoustic instruments? In fact our amazing architecture allows our building to be its own instrument of light and sound!
There is so much amazing talent in Canada and our goal with our exhibits is to reflect the vast and everchanging story of music in Canada. We hope by your next visit you will see more Canadian artists that you love and enjoy!
In the meantime, check out our What's On page to see what performances we have coming up next!
All the best,
Meaghan
Written July 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HankDenver
Calgary, Canada69 contributions
Aug 2019
This building is a testimony to the treasures given by the Calgary oil patch. It would not exist but for the generous donations of corporations. It revels in the extraordinary accomplishments of ordinary Canadian musicians too numerous to mention. It is a "must see" when visiting Calgary!
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Hank,
Thank you for your kind words, we are thrilled you enjoyed your time at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Upon your next visit I encourage you to take in a live music performance in our beautiful Performance Hall! Stayed tuned to our website for upcoming show announcements!
Thank you,
Meaghan
Visitor Experience Team Lead
Written March 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sandy C
Vancouver, Canada185 contributions
Jul 2019
We visited this centre in July and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They have interactive displays, live talks, great music history and lovely displays. It is also a very interesting building and easy to get to.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Sandy C,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We thank you for your compliments, and we are thrilled you
had an awesome time at Studio Bell! Next visit, I suggest you check one of our awesome live performances in
our beautiful Performance Hall!
All the best,
Meaghan
Visitor Experience Team Lead
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael M
11 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Was a return visit and it holds up as my favorite music museum. International superstars are interspersed with Canadian stars this American isn’t familiar with. Very interactive; I could have spent all day learning guitar from Randy Bachmann video and playing with other instruments. Nice performance space for shows. A real gem
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee L
Valhalla, NY2,288 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I stopped and visited the museum when visiting Calgary. The museum is okay but the exhibit is a little lacking. For instance, the largest exhibit is on The Beatles, certainly not a Candian Band. I expected more of my favorite Band Rush but just a few plaque that they were in the Canadian Music and Songwriters Hall of Fame, a mention they were named Canda's music ambassadors and one of Neil Pearts drum kits. Some things are interesting but could use some more exhibits.
Written October 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherek X
Drumheller, Canada91 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Excellent history in music history, lots of hands on exhibits and interactive displays. Just a tad disappointing that a Crash Test Dummies, Our Lady Peace, Moist, Edwin, I Mother Earth, Tom Cochrane or The Tea Party display is nowhere to be found or at least that I could see. Hopefully, one day!
Written February 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sheldonh887,
Thank you so much taking the time to leave us a review!
The story of music in Canada is vast and constantly changing- just like our programming and exhibits. We hope as we expand our collection, we can tell your favourite part of the growing story of music in Canada.
Best,
Visitor Experience
Written March 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
How long do the tours last? Planning on a visit in October. Thanks
Written September 24, 2018
Hi Nancy,
Tours are about an hour long. Wednesday-Friday they run at 11:00am and 2:00pm and on Saturday-Sunday we add an additional tour at 12:30pm. Hope to see you soon!
Written September 26, 2018
Hello Ray,
We are open 7 days a week from May 16th to September 3rd from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
After September we are closed Monday and Tuesday. The hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am until 5:00pm. Tours are included with admission and are held at 11:00am and 2:00pm daily.
Thank-you,
Visitor Services
Written July 23, 2018
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