Museum of Making Music

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5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Open:
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Closed on Mondays
If you want to learn about the music industry and the ways it has grown throughout the years, the Museum of Making Music is the perfect way to find out!
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Museum of Making Music
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Take an Insider Look at the Music Industry

Books for Sale at the Museum of Making MusicMusic for Sale at the Museum of Making Music

The Museum of Making Music, often shortened to MoMM, is located in Carlsbad, California. It provides an exciting look into not just the various instruments that musicians use in their songs, but also the music industry that produces these instruments and makes the creation of these songs possible.

The MoMM began its life as a museum for those already in the music industry. Created in 1998 by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), it was originally created to showcase the century of work NAMM had done in the instrument production and retail industry. Now, its doors are open to all who want to learn more about how music gets made.

Edison Home Phonograph Antique at the Museum of Making Music
Edison Home Phonograph Antique at the Museum of Making Music

Interactive Exhibits

In 2010, the museum began renovations to its exhibits that included more focus on interactive exhibits. This renovation also made the instrument production industry side of music more accessible to the general public, teaching visitors more about the creation of various instruments and how the industry operates as a whole.

The MoMM is part of the Go City San Diego pass that includes admission to dozens of different attractions. Consider purchasing a pass in advance for the best savings of up to 55% off standard ticket prices. Double up and save more with our exclusive additional discount, GVSD5OFF.

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What You’ll See When You Visit

Collectibles at the Museum of Making Music
Collectibles at the Museum of Making Music

The interior of the MoMM is full of exhibits that focus on different areas of music instrument production and sales. Many of these exhibits are interactive, encouraging all-ages learning.

As you walk through each of the exhibits, you’ll learn about every step in the instrument production process. You can walk through on your own or enjoy a guided group tour.

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Museum Galleries

Sponsors Board and Exhibit at the Museum of Making Music
Sponsors Board and Exhibit at the Museum of Making Music

The Museum of Making Music aims to present the story of how music gets made. It accomplishes this with exhibits themed around the production, sale, and use of musical instruments. These galleries detail everything from the invention of new instruments to distribution of the instruments to retail.

On top of the permanent galleries, the MoMM frequently has guest musicians who demonstrate different instruments. Check the official website for more information about the current guest schedule.

Popular Music

The popular music section of the museum takes a look at the last century of music and identifies the top songs from each era. It also showcases how these popular songs were influenced by the musical instruments available at the time, and how they impacted future instrument innovation.

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Don’t miss a beat!
Visit the Museum of Making Music today and discover a world of music and music making.

Instrument Development

The instrument development exhibit tracks the development of different musical instruments, from the 1900s to the modern day. It details the creators of these instruments and some of the inspirations behind their creation. It also explains the process of instrument manufacturing and how the types of instruments produced reflect the music of each era.

Distribution

The distribution section of the museum focuses on what happens to instruments once they leave the factory. It explains the steps in the journey from the manufacturers to the hands of musicians around the world.

Marketing

In the marketing section of the museum, you’ll learn about how instrument manufacturers advertise to musicians everywhere. This exhibit focuses on the business aspect of instrument production.

Music Retail

The music retail gallery includes informative displays about how instruments are sold. It contains everything from music stores at the height of their popularity to more modern methods of reaching customers, demonstrating the highly adaptive nature of the market.

Kids Educational Tours

The MoMM is a child-friendly museum that aims to encourage a love of music in people of all ages. The museum runs a field trip program for grades K-12, where kids are taken on a tour of the museum and encouraged to engage with the interactive exhibits. These tours are an exploration of historical events and people with a significant influence on the development of music.

The MoMM also offers educational tours for scout groups, as well as a tour geared towards preschoolers that includes story time and a drum circle.

All field trips are available by scheduling ahead.

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Tips to Know in Advance

These tips will help you make your visit to the Museum of Making Music easy and fun!

Parking in Front of the Museum of Making Music
Parking in Front of the Museum of Making Music

Parking

Free parking is offered in the lot behind the building. There are spaces for RVs and buses, as well as areas to charge electric vehicles.

Visit Length

Walking through the museum typically takes about one to two hours.

Things to Do Nearby

After you’ve visited the museum, keep the fun going by heading to LEGOLAND California and checking out the park, aquarium, or water park. You can also spend an afternoon in the sun at Carlsbad City Beach.

Places to Stay

If you’re planning an overnight trip, check out the nearby Carlsbad Seapointe Resort for easy access to the MoMM and other attractions.

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Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
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Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
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Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach Hilton
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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
from $632 / night
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The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
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The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
from $260 / night
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