Explore Canada's music story through five floors of music exhibitions, live performances, and interactive activities for the whole family.
At Studio Bell, we celebrate the stories of music in Canada through artifacts and rare instruments. Please help protect our collection, yourself, and others by following these important museum rules:
Visitors are encouraged to consider supporting NMC’s charitable efforts by giving in the following ways:
NMC is a non-governmental, non-profit registered charitable organization that relies on earned revenue and donations to keep sharing and developing Canada’s national music story from our home base in Calgary, Alberta. By supporting NMC’s charitable efforts, you are helping to ensure a sustainable future for National Music Centre and its programs that bring people together through the power and spirit of music.
As we continue to increase capacity and recover from the pandemic, it will not be your typical experience, but there will still be lots to see and do at Studio Bell.
Please note: From Me to You: The Beatles in Canada 1964-1966 will be closed on Wednesday, November 6 for a private event.
Want a preview of what you can experience in person? In celebration of Studio Bell's five-year anniversary, explore an immersive, 360-degree virtual tour. The tour brings our exhibitions and stunning architecture to online audiences, giving music fans from around the world the chance to enjoy the National Music Centre experience. Take a tour at studiobell.ca/virtual-tour.
Studio Bell is the first national cultural institution dedicated to celebrating music in Canada in all of its forms. The 160,000-square-foot building designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture is composed of nine subtly curved interlocking towers clad in glazed terra cotta. And, it sounds as good as it looks! Referencing the design of musical instruments, the facility’s open spaces resonate with the sounds of music and activity, drawing visitors up through five floors of acoustically and visually distinct exhibition, performance, and gallery spaces.
Our Lost and Found is located on Level One at the Security office.
Is my Studio Bell admission ticket for timed entry? Studio Bell admission is not timed entry, so your admission ticket is valid all day. You are welcome to come and go during the day, just ensure to show your ticket to the Visitor Experience desk upon re-entry.
How much time do people typically spend at Studio Bell? To explore all five floors of the museum, we recommend spending two hours. If you choose to visit Studio Bell on a day when museum programming is happening, this may increase the length of your visit.
Are group rates available for admission? Yes, group rates are available for groups larger than 10 if paid all together in one transaction. Please contact our Visitor Experience team at 403-543-5115 for more information.
Are wheelchairs available for rent at Studio Bell? Wheelchairs are available at Studio Bell on a first-come, first served basis. Please visit the Visitor Experience desk to inquire about availability.
Are visitors allowed to take photos? Photography for personal use without the use of flash, tripods, or selfie-sticks is permitted. If you would like to arrange for a commercial photo or video shoot, please inquire with our Events Team here.
Are food and beverages available for purchase? The NMC Gift Shop & Café offers grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and fresh pastries.
Does Studio Bell have a gift shop? Yes. After your visit, be sure to stop into the NMC Gift Shop & Café. Shop for exclusive NMC merchandise, find your new favourite book, or find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone in your life.