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    Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies

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    11 Reviews
    #45 of 119 things to do in San Jose
    Concerts & Shows, Museums, Sights & Landmarks, More
    One Washington Square, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192-0171
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    Review Highlights
    “Magnificent collection of the beautiful Beethoven”

    It’s such a beautiful collection inside the public library, there’s thousands of books, albums... read more

    Reviewed September 1, 2018
    karimexicogdl
    ,
    San Jose, California
    via mobile
    “Beethoven museum is a little gem in the coal bin of San Jose”

    In the SJ State U 'MLK' Libraray, which is worth visiting anyway, up on 4th floor. If you play... read more

    Reviewed July 10, 2018
    paul22luap
    ,
    San Jose, California
    Read all 11 reviews
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    Traveler Overview
    5.011 reviews
    • Excellent91%
    • Very good9%
    • Average0%
    • Poor0%
    • Terrible0%
    Sep 1, 2018
    “Magnificent collection of the beautiful Beethoven”
    Jul 10, 2018
    “Beethoven museum is a little gem in the coal bin of San Jose”
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    One Washington Square, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA 95192-0171
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    Reviews (11)
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    1 - 10 of 11 reviews
    Reviewed September 1, 2018 via mobile
    Magnificent collection of the beautiful Beethoven

    It’s such a beautiful collection inside the public library, there’s thousands of books, albums, documents, art, etc. The paradise of Beethoven’s world in America. Must visit when in California!

    Date of experience: August 2018
    Thank karimexicogdl
    Reviewed July 10, 2018
    Beethoven museum is a little gem in the coal bin of San Jose

    In the SJ State U 'MLK' Libraray, which is worth visiting anyway, up on 4th floor. If you play piano, you have to visit. Most of the keyboards from Beethoven's day and even earlier, they're here plus a lock of Beethoven's hair, his death mask....More

    Date of experience: December 2017
    1  Thank paul22luap
    Reviewed August 5, 2016 via mobile
    A Rich Asset for Music Lovers

    I went with my nephew who is a music major. I wanted him to see the items there because of how unique they are. We were surprised by the welcome that the staff member--she totally showed us around, explained the significance of the items, and...More

    Date of experience: August 2016
    5  Thank JDLee98
    Reviewed March 21, 2016 via mobile
    Wonderful visit!

    I was in town and while looking for things to do on Trip Advisor, I came across this place. It is located in the library on the San Jose State campus on the 5th floor. When arriving, I was immediately greeted and shown around. The...More

    Date of experience: March 2016
    3  Thank dionysia5
    Reviewed December 16, 2015
    A Step Back in Time

    We went to visit this site and were impressed with the things they have of Beethoven's. We were able to sit at a piano and play a tune. And see some of Beethoven's music. It was a fun morning.

    Date of experience: February 2015
    1  Thank Diane H
    Reviewed February 27, 2015
    Interesting Beethoven Center

    The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies is located on the San Jose State University on the 5th floor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library. I enjoyed visiting. It is a one room museum with different pianos and Beethoven History. Currently they have...More

    Date of experience: February 2015
    2  Thank mini
    Reviewed July 2, 2014
    Great and interesting collection

    There is a great collection of Beethoven sketches and manuscripts. The best thing though are the historical keyboards, which the public is allowed to play. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and can teach you no matter your musical background.

    Date of experience: July 2014
    2  Thank Asterixes
    Reviewed October 13, 2013
    the largest collection of Beethoven materials outside of Europe

    Who would have known this was here? The Beethoven Center is located on the fifth floor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. library in downtown San Jose. The library is a collaboration of San Jose State University and the San Jose Library. The center...More

    Date of experience: October 2013
    3  Thank SacTomato
    Reviewed January 16, 2013
    "Hidden" gem

    Excellent! Despite the size (it's only 1 large room), this is a must see for people interested in classical music. I brought a group here and setting up a "tour" was extremely easy by sending an email to them. I don't know if they normally...More

    Date of experience: February 2012
    3  Thank miamia246
    Reviewed January 3, 2011
    A must-visit for all music enthusiasts!

    I could have spent hours here if I did not arrive late. There are so many wonderful exhibits here! In fact, the curator said they cycle their displays so there should be even more to be seen! Highly recommended if you are a music (especially...More

    3  Thank malaysianinnewyork
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