Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad: Tickets, Tours, Hours, Address, Museum of Making Music Reviews: 4.5/5
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Making Music
4.5
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
The Museum of Making Music celebrates the music products industry’s rich history from 1900 to today. Through unique exhibitions, vibrant and varied live music performances, and innovative educational programs, the Museum shares the accomplishments and impact of the people who make, sell, and use musical instruments and products. When you step into the galleries (and back in time) you’ll see outstanding examples of musical instruments, many of them displayed in vintage music store settings. You’ll also hear some familiar tunes in audio and video clips, have many hands-on opportunities to pick up and play a variety of instruments, and discover the innovative ways that the music industry has grown over the years.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tours and Tickets
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
210 within 3 miles
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0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
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0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
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0.2 mi$ • Japanese • Fast Food • Sushi
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
360 reviews
Excellent
237
Very good
102
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
2
SD_EventPlanner
San Diego, CA91 contributions
A harmonious place to be in Carlsbad!
Jun 2021
I was so excited to visit the reopening of the museum during member preview weekend.
The newly designed museum provides a sense of community and a place to celebrate making, providing, and using instruments and there are many artifacts with cultural and historical value on display.
There is so much to see and experience, I could have spent hours in just one area. My favorite is the sit and play areas because where else can you try to play a tongue drum or harpejji?
The newly designed museum provides a sense of community and a place to celebrate making, providing, and using instruments and there are many artifacts with cultural and historical value on display.
There is so much to see and experience, I could have spent hours in just one area. My favorite is the sit and play areas because where else can you try to play a tongue drum or harpejji?
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scott S
Prescot Valley Az6 contributions
Spring break trip with mom
Mar 2020 • Friends
Very small, focus on instrument history like piano, sax, guitar, radio, genre's like big band, jazz, Beatles and rock and roll. Booths could play music but not individual headphones, so close proximity due to small place can be noisy and distracting. Some interactive areas for small children. Nice gift shop, informative volunteer.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marcia C
Clermont, FL33 contributions
A musical gem in Carlsbad
My music buff husband & I were in Carlsbad and decided to do this museum. The price was great and we spent about 2 hours learning about the history of music from the late 1800 to the 90's. There were instruments to try and lots of sample music to listen to. The guided were great. I would definitely recommend if you are in the neighborhood.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kkoleary
Scottsdale, AZ728 contributions
Small but fun
Feb 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed our visit to the Making Music Museum. Instead of just showing the instruments the museum also reviews the various sounds and songs of the time. Would have enjoyed learning a little more about the trends in music not just hearing them. Sometimes there was no context of the song and who/where performed.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cnd324
Omaha, NE28 contributions
Fun Visit
Feb 2020
This is a very well-curated museum of musical instruments and their history, with a fun area at the end of the exhibits (as well as a few throughout the galleries) that allows visitors to try out different instruments themselves. Exhibits ar colorful and effectivley displayed. We really enjoyed our visit.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
77mic
Eugene, OR138 contributions
What a Treat!
Feb 2020 • Couples
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful little museum that featured historical instruments and samples of the music of the times. What was most fun was the areas where guests were free to play instruments ranging from banjos and guitars to theramins and organs that sounded like full orchestras.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Audrey112014
Fayetteville, AR97 contributions
Very Enjoyable Museum
Feb 2020
We only had a few hours before our flight, and this was a great way to spend them. The instruments and music were organized by decades with many unique pieces. There were also many interactive exhibits and instruments to play. The guide checked back with us multiple times to point out interesting things and give further instructions. I would recommend this for all ages.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ShadJack
Charles City, IA, United States43 contributions
Very Interesting
Jan 2020
We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon with about 1.5 hours until closing. Honestly we could have used about another half hour to get through everything.......my wife is a retired music educator and loved the entire display. I enjoyed the interactive areas where you can touch and play various insturments. Lots of history as well. Really time well spent that day - we both enjoyed it !
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denise K
Henderson, NV42 contributions
Fun Interactive Museum
Jan 2020
We had a lot of fun at the Museum of Making Music. There are lots of instruments on display and lots of instruments that you can play!!!! We loved playing the instruments! Very inexpensive and you only need about an hour to go through. Fun for children and adults.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cardinalhill
Lake Elmo, Minnesota34 contributions
Out of the ordinary
Jan 2020
This small museum has a variety of instruments from the 19th century up to the 20th century. It was developed by the makers of instruments so while it is about music making, it is about the history of the late 19th through the 2oth century. If you like to listen to music from the early 20th century up through the 90's...this is the place. It is interactive and highly visual so children can enjoy it as much as adults. Some instruments can be played. if you ever played an instrument in a high school band or orchestra, you will recognize some manufacturers and instruments. My husband and I played clarinet in our high school bands so it was fun to see some of those instruments and learn more about them. There is a volunteer docent to give a tour but one can look around on one's own. If you to to Carlsbad for the beach, there are those rainy days and cool days and this is a great indoor activity.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mashby52
Reno, NV166 contributions
What age will kids enjoy? Will a three year old?
bjdrums
Temecula, California2 contributions
The primary audiences of the museum are adults, seniors, and school-aged students (elementary school-age and above). Realizing this, the Museum offers free admission for children age 3 or younger.
There's plenty of interactivity (buttons to push and music to hear), and many, full-sized interactive instruments to play (which younger children will need assistance from their parents to hold). However, the Museum is not specifically designed with very young children in mind.
Ultimately, we encourage parents of younger children to really help their children explore and enjoy the museum. They can learn a lot from you when you engage with the music and instruments at the museum together.
Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Making Music
- Museum of Making Music is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Museum of Making Music:
- (0.25 mi) Grand Pacific Palisades Resort
- (0.31 mi) Legoland Castle Hotel
- (0.43 mi) LEGOLAND California Hotel
- (0.45 mi) Hilton Grand Vacations at MarBrisa
- (0.32 mi) Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel
- Restaurants near Museum of Making Music:
- (0.13 mi) Garden Restaurant
- (0.25 mi) Ruby's Diner
- (0.24 mi) Blaze
- (0.26 mi) Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- (0.23 mi) Rubio's Coastal Grill