Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre

A Visitor’s Guide to Studio Bell: Music Exhibits, Performances, and Canadian Musical Heritage

Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), is a world-class cultural institution located in Calgary, Alberta. This stunning, modern facility is dedicated to celebrating the history, creativity, and future of music in Canada. With its interactive exhibits, iconic musical artifacts, live performances, and recording studios, Studio Bell offers an immersive experience for music lovers of all ages. Whether you’re passionate about rock, classical, electronic, or Indigenous music, Studio Bell provides a unique opportunity to explore Canada’s rich musical heritage in an inspiring and dynamic space.

A Landmark for Canadian Music

Opened in 2016, Studio Bell is housed in a striking architectural building designed to resemble the shape of musical instruments, with curves and voids that echo the sounds of music. The venue covers 160,000 square feet and spans five floors of exhibition space, performance areas, recording studios, and educational programs. The National Music Centre is committed to preserving Canada’s musical history while fostering creativity and innovation for future generations.

Studio Bell serves as both a museum and a live music venue, offering a unique blend of historical exhibits and contemporary performances, making it a hub for musicians, music fans, and anyone with a curiosity about the evolution of sound.

What to See and Do at Studio Bell

1. Explore Musical Exhibits:
   • Studio Bell’s exhibits span multiple floors and cover a wide range of musical genres, instruments, and innovations. The museum’s interactive exhibits allow visitors to engage with music in new and creative ways. Some highlights include:
   • Milestones: Canadian Music Hall of Fame:
     • This exhibit celebrates Canada’s most influential musicians, from rock legends to classical composers. Visitors can learn about the inductees of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, including stars like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Shania Twain, and Rush. The exhibit features memorabilia, music videos, and stories of these iconic artists.
   • The Kimball Theatre Organ:
     • One of the museum’s most impressive features is the Kimball Theatre Organ, a massive instrument originally installed in Calgary’s Palace Theatre in the 1920s. This fully restored organ is a rare gem, and visitors can enjoy live performances and demonstrations of its majestic sound.
   • Soundscapes:
     • This interactive exhibit allows visitors to experiment with sound, rhythm, and composition. Through hands-on activities, guests can create their own musical pieces, explore different instruments, and even mix electronic beats in the Beat Drop Studio.
   • Indigenous Music Exhibit:
     • Studio Bell pays tribute to Canada’s Indigenous musical traditions with exhibits that highlight the history and cultural significance of Indigenous instruments and music. Visitors can learn about traditional drumming, singing, and the important role music plays in Indigenous culture and storytelling.
2. Iconic Instruments and Artifacts:
   • The National Music Centre is home to a remarkable collection of iconic instruments, including those used by famous musicians and groundbreaking pieces that shaped the course of music history.
   • Elton John’s Piano:
     • One of the most famous artifacts on display is Elton John’s “Rocketman” Yamaha piano, which was used during his 2010 world tour. Visitors can see this legendary instrument up close and learn more about its role in Elton John’s career.
   • TONTO:
     • One of the most innovative instruments in the NMC’s collection is TONTO (The Original New Timbral Orchestra), the world’s largest analog synthesizer. Used by artists like Stevie Wonder and The Isley Brothers, TONTO revolutionized electronic music. The massive, spaceship-like instrument is one of the key highlights at Studio Bell.
   • Randy Bachman’s Guitar Collection:
     • Visitors can also see the personal guitar collection of Randy Bachman, the legendary guitarist of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. The collection includes vintage guitars, as well as the instruments used during some of Canada’s most iconic rock performances.
3. Live Performances and Events:
   • Studio Bell is not only a museum but also a live music venue, hosting performances across various genres. The Performance Hall, with its impressive acoustics and seating for 300 people, regularly features concerts, recitals, and artist residencies. The venue also offers smaller, more intimate performances in other areas of the building.
   • NMC Artist in Residence Program:
     • Studio Bell hosts an Artist in Residence program, where Canadian and international musicians are invited to create and record new music using the facility’s extensive instrument and equipment collection. Visitors can often attend workshops or watch live recording sessions, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
   • King Eddy Live Music:
     • Adjacent to Studio Bell is the King Eddy, one of Calgary’s most iconic music venues. Reopened in conjunction with Studio Bell, the King Eddy is a historic bar and live music venue that regularly hosts concerts featuring local and touring artists. It’s a great spot to catch live music after exploring the museum.
4. Education and Programs:
   • Studio Bell is committed to music education and offers a range of programs designed to inspire musicians of all ages and skill levels. Workshops, masterclasses, and guided tours are available for school groups, families, and aspiring musicians.
   • School Programs:
     • The National Music Centre provides curriculum-based educational programs for students, focusing on music history, theory, and creativity. These programs allow students to explore music through hands-on activities and guided tours.
   • Workshops and Classes:
     • Music lovers can participate in workshops on a variety of topics, from instrument-building to music production. These classes offer participants the opportunity to learn from professional musicians and sound engineers.
5. Recording Studios:
   • Studio Bell houses state-of-the-art recording studios, offering artists a chance to record music using some of the most advanced equipment in the world. The studios include access to vintage instruments, such as TONTO, and modern technology, allowing artists to create a wide range of musical genres.
   • Visitors can take tours of the recording studios and learn about the history of music production, as well as see how today’s artists use these spaces to create new music.
6. Public Art and Architecture:
   • The architecture of Studio Bell is a work of art in itself. Designed by Allied Works Architecture, the building’s curved walls and soaring spaces resemble the shape of a musical instrument. The striking exterior is made of terra cotta tiles, which shimmer in the sunlight, creating a dynamic and changing appearance.
   • Inside, visitors can admire the central atrium, a towering space filled with light and sound, designed to create an immersive experience as you move through the museum’s exhibits. The building also features several pieces of public art, including large-scale installations and murals celebrating music.

How to Get There

Studio Bell is located in Calgary’s vibrant East Village neighborhood, just a short distance from downtown and other popular attractions like the Calgary Zoo and Fort Calgary.

• Address: 850 4 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R1
• Public Transport: The venue is easily accessible by Calgary Transit, with several bus routes and CTrain stationsnearby, including City Hall Station.
• Parking: Paid parking is available in nearby lots and street parking is also available.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Studio Bell is open year-round, with tickets available for general admission, performances, and special events. Admission fees vary, with discounts for children, students, and seniors.

• Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (hours may vary for special events).
• Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Check the website for up-to-date pricing and event details.
• Official Website: https://www.studiobell.ca/

Best Time to Visit

Studio Bell is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during one of the live performance events or special exhibitions. The museum frequently hosts new exhibits and live performances, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to experience.

A Must-Visit for Music Lovers

Whether you’re a musician, music history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to explore culture, Studio Bell is a must-visit destination in Calgary. With its engaging exhibits, iconic instruments, and live performances, the National Music Centre offers an immersive and unforgettable journey through Canada’s rich musical landscape. From learning about legendary artists to experiencing the future of music, Studio Bell has something for everyone.