The Musical Museum
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The Musical Museum

4.8
·456 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover a world of musical marvels at The Musical Museum, featuring interactive automata, a recreated street, and stunning Wurlitzer performances.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Guided tours and Wurlitzer performances

CrowdMedium
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The Musical Museum

The Musical Museum

Best Time

Weekends

Guided tours and Wurlitzer performances

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of musical marvels at The Musical Museum, featuring interactive automata, a recreated street, and stunning Wurlitzer performances.

4.8
(456 reviews)

"A true hidden gem, highly recommended for its charm, history, and breathtaking Wurlitzer performances!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tours

Guides like Marcus and Emad are incredibly knowledgeable and make the exhibits come alive!

🎶 Stay for the Wurlitzer Concert

The live Wurlitzer performance is a definite highlight and a must-see for all visitors.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Magnificent Wurlitzer

The Magnificent Wurlitzer

Stage Area

Witness the breathtaking power of a fully restored Wurlitzer organ brought to life on stage. A true highlight for many visitors.

Reddit
Interactive Musical Automata

Interactive Musical Automata

Exhibition Halls

Get up close and personal with a vast collection of musical boxes, player pianos, and other fascinating historical instruments.

Reddit
Recreated Shopping Street

Recreated Shopping Street

Ground Floor

Step back in time on a charming, recreated Victorian shopping street, adding a unique atmosphere to your visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

The Musical Museum offers guided tours that are highly praised for bringing exhibits to life. Booking ahead ensures you don't miss out on these engaging experiences, especially the Wurlitzer demonstrations. Reddit

Allow Ample Time for Exploration

While it might seem like a quick visit, many visitors find themselves staying for hours, captivated by the interactive exhibits and passionate guides. Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the collection. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Guided tours and Wurlitzer performances
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤖 The Musical Cyborg @onyx.ashanti 🦾 📹 : @filgood97 #soundart #soundartist #sound #sounddesign #sonicart #art #contemporaryart #modernart #museum #artgallery #cyborg
sound.art.museum
8K likes • 212.6K views

🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tours

Guides like Marcus and Emad are incredibly knowledgeable and make the exhibits come alive! Reddit+1

🎶 Stay for the Wurlitzer Concert

The live Wurlitzer performance is a definite highlight and a must-see for all visitors. Reddit

reddit.com

Suggestions for activities in Brentford/Chiswick while the match is on?

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Things to do with my nerdy dad in London and South East

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

You might plan for an hour, but you'll likely stay for three or more! Reddit

✨ A True Hidden Gem

This museum is a special place, rich in history and beautifully presented. Reddit

reddit.com

What's your favourite obscure London museum?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Miss the Guided Tours

Guides like Marcus and Emad are incredibly knowledgeable and make the exhibits come alive! Reddit+1

🎶 Stay for the Wurlitzer Concert

The live Wurlitzer performance is a definite highlight and a must-see for all visitors. Reddit

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

You might plan for an hour, but you'll likely stay for three or more! Reddit

✨ A True Hidden Gem

This museum is a special place, rich in history and beautifully presented. Reddit

🎵 Interactive Exhibits

Get hands-on with many of the musical instruments, not just stare at them. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(456 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Musical Museum as a hidden gem, highlighting the incredibly knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the collection to life. The interactive exhibits and the breathtaking Wurlitzer performances are major draws, making it a highly recommended and memorable experience for music lovers and families alike. Some visitors note it's smaller than expected but rich in content.

"We spent two hours at the Music Museum in Brentford before heading to Kew Gardens, and it was absolutely fantastic! The collection is fascinating, and the guided tour really brings everything to life — highly recommended. So many wow moments seeing and hearing the instruments in action. A real hidden gem and well worth a visit!"

Shuwen Tao

"We visited the Musical Museum on Saturday and had such a wonderful experience. Our guide, Marcus, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and his companion Alex was equally brilliant in bringing the history of the instruments to life. A real highlight was seeing the magnificent Wurlitzer come to life on stage, absolutely breathtaking! The whole visit felt special and full of charm. We’re already planning our next trip back, especially to catch one of the silent cinema screenings. A true hidden gem, highly recommended!"

Sabs B

"A trip down memory lane of the different musical instruments made since the sixties. A great day out! You can get a tour too. At the end you hear a concert of a Wurlitzer- great fun!"

Jules Adamson

What People Like

Passionate and knowledgeable guides
Interactive exhibits
Breathtaking Wurlitzer performances

What People Dislike

Can be smaller than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Musical Museum is located in Brentford, West London. It's accessible by public transport, with Brentford train station nearby. Several bus routes also serve the area. Reddit

Limited on-street parking may be available nearby, but it's recommended to check local parking regulations. Public transport is often the most convenient option. Reddit

Yes, The Musical Museum is a great option for a day trip from central London. It's easily reachable by train or bus and offers a unique experience away from the city's main attractions. Reddit

Brentford train station is the closest rail link. Numerous bus routes also stop in the vicinity, making it accessible from various parts of London. Reddit

The museum has multiple floors, and while efforts are made to make it accessible, it's advisable to contact them directly regarding specific accessibility needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but booking in advance is recommended. Check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any special offers. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your tickets and especially your guided tour in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. Reddit

The Musical Museum typically operates on specific days and hours, often including weekends. It's best to check their official website for the current opening times before your visit. Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on the museum's website. It's worth checking for any available concessions. Reddit

While it might be possible, booking in advance is strongly advised to guarantee entry, especially for guided tours and popular performance times. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

You'll find an incredible collection of musical boxes, player pianos, organs, and other historical musical automata, many of which are demonstrated live. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are a major highlight, offering in-depth insights and live demonstrations, particularly of the Wurlitzer. Reddit

Many exhibits are designed to be interactive, allowing you to get up close and personal with the instruments, unlike traditional museums. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum frequently features live demonstrations, most notably the magnificent Wurlitzer organ. Reddit

It's a charming, atmospheric recreation of a Victorian shopping street that adds to the immersive experience of the museum. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum may have limited refreshment options, such as tea and coffee. It's advisable to check their website or contact them for current offerings. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding Brentford area offers various cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal before or after your visit. Reddit

Typically, outside food and drink are not permitted inside the exhibition areas of museums. It's best to consume your own food in designated areas or before/after your visit. Reddit

You'll find a range of options from casual cafes to pubs and restaurants in Brentford, catering to different tastes and budgets. Reddit

While some museums have cafes, The Musical Museum's focus is on its exhibits. Check their website for the most accurate information on available refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions, especially during live demonstrations. Reddit

Flash photography is often discouraged in museums to protect delicate exhibits. Please adhere to any signage or staff instructions regarding flash use. Reddit

The Wurlitzer organ in action, the recreated Victorian street, and the intricate details of the musical automata are all fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

Commercial filming or extensive video recording may require prior permission. For personal vlogs or social media content, check the museum's policy. Reddit

Visitors often capture the grandeur of the Wurlitzer, the charm of the street scene, and close-ups of the detailed craftsmanship of the musical instruments. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musical Museum offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The interactive nature of the exhibits means children can get up close to fascinating musical instruments, making it more exciting than a typical museum visit. The live demonstrations, especially the Wurlitzer performances, are captivating for all ages and provide a memorable spectacle. Reddit

Parents often appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable guides who can keep younger visitors entertained and informed. The recreated shopping street also adds a touch of wonder. While there might not be dedicated play areas, the sheer novelty and hands-on opportunities make it a great outing for families looking for something a little different. Reddit

🎶 Music Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For anyone with a passion for music or a keen interest in mechanical history, The Musical Museum is an absolute must-visit. The collection spans a wide range of musical automata, from delicate music boxes to powerful organs, offering a deep dive into the evolution of automated music. The in-depth guided tours provide unparalleled insights into the craftsmanship and engineering of these historical instruments. Reddit

Visitors will appreciate the opportunity to see and hear rare instruments that are often not accessible elsewhere. The live performances are a particular draw, showcasing the sonic capabilities of these vintage machines. It's a place where you can truly connect with the past through the universal language of music. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Musical Automata

The Musical Museum is a treasure trove of musical automata, devices that play music automatically. This includes everything from intricate musical boxes and player pianos to grand Wurlitzer organs. These fascinating machines represent a significant part of technological and musical history, showcasing ingenuity from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors are often amazed by the complexity and artistry involved in their creation. Reddit

What sets The Musical Museum apart is its commitment to bringing these historical instruments to life. Unlike many museums where exhibits are behind glass, here you can get up close and personal with many of the items. The guided tours are particularly special, as knowledgeable guides demonstrate the workings of these machines, often culminating in a spectacular performance on the Wurlitzer. This interactive approach makes the history of music and technology incredibly engaging. Reddit

Beyond the larger instruments, the museum also features a charming recreated shopping street, adding an atmospheric layer to the visitor experience. This immersive environment, combined with the passion of the staff, makes for a truly memorable visit that goes beyond simply looking at artifacts. It's an opportunity to hear and feel the music of the past. Reddit

Guided Tours: The Heart of the Experience

The guided tours at The Musical Museum are consistently highlighted as a major reason for its appeal. Visitors rave about the guides, often mentioning individuals like Marcus and Emad by name, for their knowledge, passion, and friendly demeanor. These tours are not just informative lectures; they are lively and interactive experiences that bring the collection to life. Reddit

During the tours, guides provide fascinating insights into the history and mechanics of the various musical instruments. They often demonstrate how these complex machines work, allowing visitors to appreciate the ingenuity behind them. The highlight for many is the live performance on the magnificent Wurlitzer organ, a truly breathtaking experience that showcases the power and beauty of this iconic instrument. Reddit

Many visitors find that the tours transform their visit from a passive observation into an active engagement with history. The guides create a welcoming atmosphere where questions are encouraged, and there's a perfect blend of informality and expertise. This personal touch is what makes The Musical Museum a 'hidden gem' and a place people want to return to. Reddit

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