Reproducing Piano

A self-playing instrument that blends advanced reproducing technology from the early 20th century with the exceptional craftsmanship of renowned piano makers - in this case, from the famous German maker Grotrian-Steinweg. Capable of capturing and replaying the nuanced dynamics of live performances by famous pianists, this piano and other in our collection offer a remarkably authentic musical experience, preserving the artistry of master pianists for posterity, and representing an amazing fusion of musical excellence and technical innovation.

 

Self-Playing Violin

The "Violano Virtuoso" from Mills Novelty Company of Chicago. A rare and remarkable self-playing musical instrument, which combines a mechanical violin with a piano. This marvel of engineering uses electric motors, electromagnets, and pneumatics to simulate the bowing and fingering of a real violin, while simultaneously playing an integrated piano. Its ability to produce expressive, harmonious duets without human musicians made it one of the most technologically advanced and prized automatic instruments of its time.

 

Theatre Pipe Organ

"The Mighty Wurlitzer" - originally designed to accompany silent films, It was a one-person orchestra, capable of producing a vast array of sounds—from orchestral instruments and percussive effects to train whistles and alarm bells. These organs brought silent films to life and entertained the public as instruments in their own right. With their ornate consoles, unique sound and unmatched versatility, Wurlitzer organs remain celebrated masterpieces of musical and mechanical ingenuity.

 

Orchestrion

The "Claribella" - a rare and elaborate automatic musical instrument crafted in the early 20th century by the Popper Company of Leipzig. Designed to be a coin-operated machine installed in in cafés, restaurants, and other public venues, it features a combination of piano and percussion instruments, housed within a beautifully decorated wooden cabinet and behind an animated glass screen. It plays lively dance tunes, marches, and popular music of the era. Popper's Claribella is a quintessential example of the golden age of machines that brought music to life before the widespread use of recorded sound. 

Orchestra Music Box

This music box is a finely crafted, large-format mechanical instrument produced in 1899 by the Baker-Troll Company. Designed to provide the experience of an "orchestra in a box" for affluent home users, it uses a metal cylinder studded with pins to pluck tuned steel combs, and operate bells, a drum, and a small reed organ. Often praised for their clarity, volume, and ornate craftsmanship, Baker-Troll Orchestra music boxes are a fine example of the musical and mechanical mastery that can be found in automatic music. 

The KORG Gallery

KORG is a pioneering Japanese company renowned for its innovative electronic musical instruments. At the Musical Museum’s new Korg Gallery, you can explore how modern music has been influenced by the early analog synthesizers of the 1960s to today’s cutting-edge digital workstations. The gallery highlights their cultural impact and technological evolution, offering a hands-on, immersive experience that connects the past, present, and future of electronic music within the museum’s broader celebration of mechanical and automated musical heritage. 

Inside the Mighty Wurlitzer

With almost 1,000 organ pipes (some up to 16ft long) and a host of percussions and special effects, only the organ's amazing console is visible in our Concert Hall. The rest of the instrument is housed in two pipe chambers and a "relay and blower room". The whole instrument is maintained by our amazing team of volunteers, advisors and craftsmen.

Control Room

The Museum is equipped with excellent facilities for Sound, Lighting and Vision Mixing. Not only does this help us to present our events to a high standard, but it's a valuable resource for local theatre, media, performing arts and sound production students who volunteer with us and can learn and practice their skills here.

Roll Library

The Musical Museum has one of the foremost collections of Music Rolls in existence, with over 20,000 distinct examples curated and catalogued in our library. It's a valuable research resource, and has been made available to (and visited by) academics and specialists from all over the world.