Music House Museum
Music House Museum
4.5
About
The Music House Museum is located on US31 just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Now in their 30th year, the museum presents one of the most unique music museums in America. Ninety-minute tours demonstrate fully-restored mechanical instruments dating from 1870 to 1930.Guest will also see Models of buildings from Traverse City 1930’s era. Music boxes of all sizes, a mechanical street organ, one of largest dance organs built in Belgium in 1922 , Weber Duo-Art reproducing grand piano,1924 Wurlitzer theater organ used to accompany silent films.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
152 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
28
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
2
AnnArborMHT
Genoa, Italy1,667 contributions
Sep 2022
Because this is in Acme and not Traverse City, we nearly missed seeing it when trying to find fun things to do in TC. Highly recommended! The tour docents give a fantastic tour, providing interesting history (not too long, not too short!) then set many of the musical machines and boxes and massive organs to music. All set in a large, atmospheric barn with a recreated TC bar as a center piece to store several music boxes. The tours are given upon arrival, so you never have to time your visit, just arrive! The Docents will demonstrate several of the music boxes. You even sit down, relax and watch a shore silent movie set to music provided by an organ. Really fun!
While most of the musical boxes are on the ground floor as well as the museum some ability to climb steps is helpful and can be difficult for visitors with mobility issues, but not necessary to enjoy the museum and the music. Would not recommend for very young children (under 4.) Nice gift shop and clean bathrooms.
This was our rainy day activity but it was so much fun, its not to be missed even on a sunny day!
While most of the musical boxes are on the ground floor as well as the museum some ability to climb steps is helpful and can be difficult for visitors with mobility issues, but not necessary to enjoy the museum and the music. Would not recommend for very young children (under 4.) Nice gift shop and clean bathrooms.
This was our rainy day activity but it was so much fun, its not to be missed even on a sunny day!
Written September 30, 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.
MidMichFam
32 contributions
Jul 2022
When you arrive, you will find out that the guided tour is part of the entry fee and is essentially required. But, don't let that put you off. The tour is needed to get the full experience and was wonderfully done. My family and I love music and we completely enjoyed the museum. We arrived near the end of a tour and were allowed to join and start a new tour. There are some fun juke boxes, radios, and victrola type items after to self tour. The finale music machine was a great end to the tour. Don't miss it.
Written July 22, 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.
married96
Fernandina Beach, FL628 contributions
Aug 2021
Wonderful collection of memorabilia of musical instruments -- several of which were only 3 or only 6 still in existence. Everything from pianos, violins, accordions, juke boxes, etc. We watched an old Laurel & Hardy silent movie with live playing of piano for sound. Big moment was the Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue from the recorder/player piano on which he originally recorded.
Rhapsody in Blue from the recorder/player piano on which he originally recorded.
Written August 22, 2021
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.
michigander311
Midland, MI493 contributions
Aug 2021
We arrived right at their listed opening time, the parking lot had just a few cars in it, and the door was unlocked and we walked in. The man behind the counter didn't really greet us, but rather asked if we were with the tour bus group. No, we weren't and had no idea that there was. He then stated that they were late and looked quite confused that we were there. Okay, we still wanted to see the museum. The only other employee, a woman seemed equally perplexed about our presence and stated that they had a tour of 51 people coming through and didn't know what to do with us. Well, that tour wasn't there, and we suggested that we pay their entry fee ($16 per person) and we could get in front of the tour. More, confused looks from the employees. "Well, we just don't know what to do with you" Again, I mentioned to take our money and allow us to enter......more stunned silence and confused looks. By this time, their unwelcoming attitude completely turned us off. Clueless, snooty, unwelcoming.......to heck with them. We'll spend our money elsewhere, we won't return. No apology desired.
Written September 1, 2021
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.
Jari G
1 contribution
Jun 2021
If you find yourself in the Traverse City, Michigan area, the Music House Museum is a "must see". The outstanding array of musical instruments, some of which are very unusual, was fascinating. The guided tour was so interesting and educational and the docents that give the tours, are a wealth of information. Make the time to visit this museum, you'll be glad you did.
Written July 6, 2021
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.
LuvMitten
Muskegon, MI32 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We were floored by the amazing mechanical instruments at this museum. Many types of player pianos, jukeboxes, Nickelodeons, a Wurlitzer theatre organ and an amazing 18 ft tall x 30 ft wide hand carved Mortier Dance organ. Definitely participate in the guided tour, where many of the instruments are demonstrated. You will be amazed at the beautiful music created by these automated instruments. I was floored to hear such intricate music played from holes punched in a roll of paper!
Written September 24, 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.
1stFour
Tualatin, OR36 contributions
On tour with a 30 person group from Oregon, our Tour Operator found this GEM in Michigan. The Music House Museum is located in historic restored farm buildings with a collection of musical instruments large and small which play on their own in some fashion or another.
I loved a large almost room-size carousel music maker -- I forget the name of it but still have the image of it in my mind as well as a huge T. Mortier hand carved dance organ located on a mezzanine that filled the whole high-ceiling space with music.
This fascinating historical collection is both a rich visual and auditory experience. They have a gift shop so that you can take home a little bit of music, too. I highly recommend this fun stop about 8 miles north of Traverse City on US 31.
I loved a large almost room-size carousel music maker -- I forget the name of it but still have the image of it in my mind as well as a huge T. Mortier hand carved dance organ located on a mezzanine that filled the whole high-ceiling space with music.
This fascinating historical collection is both a rich visual and auditory experience. They have a gift shop so that you can take home a little bit of music, too. I highly recommend this fun stop about 8 miles north of Traverse City on US 31.
Written August 23, 2008
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.
tymetraveler222
Bay City, MI6,815 contributions
I have visited this museum twice. The tours are very factual, a bit dry, but interesting, nonetheless. Located in a large, old white barn, there is a small self tour section with old musical instruments, phonographs, jukeboxes, etc.! The tour takes you through the rest of the barn, with short talks on various pianos, organs and such. They play a tune (not the tour guide) for you, some are short and some are a bit too long. All are player pianos-which means they play themselves. The history is excellent. The also have an old general store, and old local bar transported to this museum, to view. The largest piece sits at the top of the barn, and fits perfectly, and this was all by luck. It is a beautiful piece of rosewood. There is also a nice little museum store to purchase music boxes in many various forms and styles. $10/adult; $25 family. About 1.5 hours to see everything. Parking adjacent.
Written November 26, 2007
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.
David L
Oak Park, IL4 contributions
Sep 2019
This is a truly unique museum. When we walked in, we were asked if we played the piano or organ. Since I am an amateur pianist, I was invited to sit down an play the Conover Symphonic Upright Piano (also called the Giraffe Piano) next to the front desk. Then the tour began (you don't need to play to join the tour!). We had been here before years ago and they have added some new features, such as a Laurel and Hardy silent movie accompanied by their assortment of mechanical instruments, just like it was done in the day. However to me the highlights are still the reproducing pianos. You can hear George Gershwin play Rhapsody in Blue and Serge Rachmaninoff play Flight of the Bumblebee. The museum is located in Acme on Route 31 just east of Traverse City, but it is easy to miss, so if you are driving north, look on the left hand side of the road just after leaving Acme.
Written September 8, 2019
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.
glamgal08
Las Vegas, NV70 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I was pleasantly surprised at this off the beaten path, quaint museum! The extensive collection of old music boxes and more was fantastic! Was surprised when the tour guides actually played many of them. This brought to life bygone days and the simple way of how people used music for entertainment. Unique and quiet interesting!!! Highly recommend.
Written September 2, 2017
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.
BelleTaco
Lapeer, MI23 contributions
Is this museum wheelchair friendly?
MS_downriver
downriver271 contributions
For the main part of the museum I believe it was, but there are stairs to the second level where the main organ can be seen. From what I remember there wasn't a ramp or elevator for the part of the tour and there was steps if I remember correctly to the gift shop as well.
Christine K
1 contribution
How long should a motorcoach group allow for this visit?
MS_downriver
downriver271 contributions
Yes definitely call then if you'll be having a large group attending. From what I remember there had only been one or two guides there. But they may be able to make accommodations for a large group.
Music House Museum (Acme) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Music House Museum
- Music House Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Music House Museum:
- (0.37 mi) Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast Traverse City
- (1.99 mi) Sleep Inn & Suites Acme - Traverse City
- (5.28 mi) The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse
- (5.19 mi) Cambria Hotel Traverse City
- (6.51 mi) Antiquities' Wellington Inn
- Restaurants near Music House Museum:
- (0.64 mi) LochenHeath Restaurant
- (0.94 mi) Aerie Restaurant & Lounge
- (5.18 mi) Reflect Bistro Inside Cambria Suites Hotel
- (1.31 mi) McGee's No.72
- (6.73 mi) amical
Music House Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 117 |
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Very Good Reviews | 28 |
Music House Museum Photos | 66 |