What if a visit to the museum was as exciting as going to a music festival? The thrill of discovering new artists, hearing new sounds, and celebrating with friends. This is the approach we take to each of our exhibitions.
As you explore Studio Bell, your curiosity will be piqued by the sounds, sights, and interactive activities pouring out of the 22 exhibition spaces located across five levels. Each space (or “stage” as we like to call them) offers an opportunity to experience music and Canadian music history—from the Kimball Theatre Organ on the Sound Affects stage to the Canadian Music Halls of Fame located on Levels 4 and 5.
Access to all 22 exhibition stages is included with General Admission.
Level One: Canada Music Square
Welcome to Canada Music Square—the heart of Studio Bell. This is where you can plan your visit, purchase tickets, and take in all of the sights and sounds. This is also the meeting spot for our Guided Tours.
Canada Music Square: The heart of Studio Bell. This is where you can plan your visit, purchase tickets, and take in all of the sights and sounds. This is also the meeting spot for our Guided Tours. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
The Drop-In Zone is the perfect place to plan your visit. Get a sneak peek of the music, instruments and artists you’ll see as you explore Studio Bell—and check out the latest temporary exhibit open to the public. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
Visit the NMC Gift Shop & Café for NMC merchandise and music-inspired gifts for any occasion. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
The NMC Gift Shop & Café offers grab-and-go snacks, drinks, and fresh pastries. Photo Credit: Lucas Watts.
Level Two: Music Mosaic
You could say our identity is reflected in our music. So many diverse people and cultures have contributed to the vibrant and creative Canadian music scene. Studio Bell’s second floor is dedicated to exploring the artists and innovators who make up this musical mosaic.
Power Corporation of Canada Made In Canada: Explore the groundbreaking stories that define music in Canada—stories about the inventors, industry pioneers, broadcasters, and musicians who’ve shaped the nation. Photo Credit: Jenn Five..
BMO Financial Group Soundscapes: This immersive, audiovisual experience takes you on a tour of Canadian music from coast to coast to coast. Photo Credit: Neil Zeller.
Trailblazers: Alberta – Check out video interviews, life size wall graphics, and concert footage from some of Alberta’s most influential artists and music industry pros to emerging artists and rising stars. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
Where Music Lives: Celebrate the many venues—from sticky-floored dives to holy shrines—where music ruled and still rules in Canada. Photo Credit: Brandon Wallis.
Level Three: Power of Music
Music has an extraordinary capacity to affect human health and wellbeing, in ways we are still discovering! Spend time at each stage on Level Three and consider your answer to the question: how does music move you?
Voice: The voice is the world’s oldest musical instrument. On this stage, you can explore distinctive Canadian voices, and sing along in one of our vocal booths. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
Voice: The voice is the world’s oldest musical instrument. On this stage, you can explore distinctive Canadian voices, and sing along in one of our vocal booths. Photo Credit: Jenn Five.
Sound Affects: Stick around and catch the Kimball Theatre Organ live at 3:00 pm on Wednesday through Friday or on weekends at 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm. Photo Credit: Neil Zeller.
Music & Wellness: Go deeper and explore this exhibition that taps into the power of music on mental and physical health. Photo Credit: David Kativu.
Sam and Betty Switzer Foundation Speak Up gallery: With support from TD, Speak Up! showcases Indigenous artists. Photo Credit: Brandon Wallis.
Listen: Put on some headphones and let the music flow into your heart and soul. Look around and share your experience with other visitors. Photo Credit: Neil Zeller.
Level Four: Making Music
Get hands-on and make some music — whether amateur or professional, music is for everyone! Then, celebrate Canada's legendary music-makers in the newly-updated Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Quebec’s ADISQ Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Unplugged: Try your hand at strumming along to your favourite songs on an acoustic guitar. Photo credit: Brett Cassidy.
Unplugged: Whether you're a beginner or a virtuoso, all it takes is a few notes to make music. Photo credit: Brett Cassidy.
Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame: Learn all about the legendary inductees into the hall of fame. Photo credit: Brett Cassidy.
Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame: Honouring Canada's greatest songs and songsmiths. Photo Credit: Kaden Chynoweth.
ADISQ Hall of Fame: Recognizing the achievements of Quebecois musicians. Photo Credit: Jacob Barton.
Workshops: say hello to some of the talented “gear heads” and collections staff who restore and maintain the NMC collection. Photo Credit: Hayley Robb.
Workshops: Say hello to some of the talented “gearheads” who restore and maintain the NMC Collection. Photo Credit: Hayley Robb.
Level Five: Best of Canada
Celebrate the Canadian musicians who’ve left their mark on this country and beyond. See memorabilia from some of Canada’s biggest names, then check out the latest inductees to the Canadian Music Halls of Fame. Before you go, take a walk along the East Village Skybridge for incredible views accompanied by the sounds of the sun.
Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Walk the red carpet like a star! Photo credit: Kaden Chynoweth.
Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Featuring memorabilia from Canada's music icons. Photo credit: Kaden Chynoweth.
Canadian Music Hall of Fame: Learn from the best with guitar master Randy Bachman. Photo credit: Kaden Chynoweth.
East Village Skybridge: Take in the scenic views of Calgary’s East Village from the Skybridge and listen to the ambient sounds of the “Solar Drones” audio installation, created by Colorado artist Patrick Marold. Photo Credit: Neil Zeller.
Idols and Icons: Hear the stories of Canadian music icons—both past and present—and see instruments and artifacts from their careers and lives. Photo Credit: Neil Zeller
West Block: The Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio (RSM)
Head over to Studio Bell’s west block to catch a glimpse of the legendary Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio (RSM) from 9th Ave SE. With a fully restored Helios console, the RSM is also available to book for commercial recording sessions.
Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Rock’n’Roll,” the RSM was used to record some of the most iconic records of all time by artists like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and of course, the Rolling Stones. Credit: Brandon Wallis.
Fully restored by NMC’s in-house technicians, the RSM is available to book for commercial recording sessions. Credit: Brandon Wallis.
Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Rock’n’Roll,” the RSM was used to record some of the most iconic records of all time by artists like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and of course, the Rolling Stones. Credit: Brandon Wallis.
Fully restored by NMC’s in-house technicians, the RSM is available to book for commercial recording sessions. Credit: Brandon Wallis.