National Music Centre Tours
Dive deeper into Canada's music story and explore the National Music Centre's collections, exhibitions, and studios through guided tours at Studio Bell.
Greatest Hits Tours
Dive into Canadian music history and get up close with iconic instruments and artifacts from the National Music Centre’s world-renowned collection.
This is your chance to explore the stories behind the music. Step beyond the exhibits and experience the magic of music in a whole new way. Led by musically trained tour guides, these interactive tours take you deeper into the stories of specific artifacts, bringing the collection to life in an unforgettable way.
Plus, this tour includes a sneak peek into NMC’s recording studios! For an in-depth studio experience, check out the Backstage Pass tours.
- Studio Bell admission is required.
- Space is limited and first-come, first-served. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.
- Tours are one hour in length. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Are you an NMC Member? Visit the front desk to book your free Greatest Hits tour!
*TONTO is subject to studio availability. This tour does not feature demonstrations of TONTO.
Backstage Pass Tours
Take an exclusive tour backstage at Studio Bell and see music come to life in the National Music Centre’s recording studios!
Catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the working spaces of our world-class recording facilities* and hear the stories behind notable artifacts — spanning 450 years of music innovation and technology — guided by NMC’s talented music educators.
Visitors will gain insight into some of NMC’s most treasured items — that few members of the public have seen — from the earliest instruments in the NMC Collection, such as a 16th century Trasuntino Harpsichord, to modern electronics, like TONTO, considered to be the ‘holy grail’ of synthesizers.
Plus, you’ll get to see the legendary Rolling Stones Mobile Studio, where countless hit records were recorded.
- Studio Bell admission is required.
- Space is limited and first-come, first-served. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.
- Tours are one hour in length. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
- Recommended for ages 12 and up. Strollers are not permitted on Backstage Pass tours.
Are you an NMC Member or a musician? Visit the front desk to book your tickets at a discounted rate!
*Tours subject to change based on studio availability.
Greatest Hits Tour Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $12 |
| Students/Seniors | $8 |
| Youth (4-12) | $8 |
| Kids 3 and under | Free |
| NMC Members | Free |
Backstage Pass Tour Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $16 |
| Students/Seniors | $12 |
| Musicians | $12 |
| NMC Members | $10 |
Upcoming Greatest Hits Tours
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday, June 28 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Sunday, June 29 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 5 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 6 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 12 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 13 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 19 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 20 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 26 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 27 | 11:00 am and 2:30 pm |
Upcoming Backstage Pass Tours
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Saturday, July 5 | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 6 | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 12 | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm |
| Saturday, July 19 | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm |
| Sunday, July 20 | 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm |
Purchase Studio Bell Admission & Book a Tour
Book a tour by purchasing general admission below, then select either the Greatest Hits Tour add-on or the Backstage Pass Tour add-on during the checkout process — only available on the dates listed above.