Museum of Making Music

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5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
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Open:
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Closed on Mondays
The MoMM takes visitors on a deep exploration of music! Interactive spaces look at the history & evolution of instruments and how they created your favorite songs.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Museum of Making Music
Unconventional History
Galleries & Exhibits
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Upcoming Events
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Helpful Tips
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Exhibits / Attractions
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Discover the Unconventional History of the Music Industry

Entrance Sign at the Museum of Making MusicMusic for Sale at the Museum of Making Music

The Museum of Making Music, often shortened to MoMM, is located in Carlsbad, California.

The MoMM began its life as a museum for those already in the music industry. I was never in the music industry but just enjoy music and learning, which is exactly what this museum brings together for me.

It provides an exciting look into not just the various instruments that musicians use in their songs, but also the music industry that produces these instruments and makes the creation of these songs possible.

Created in 1998 by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), it was originally created to showcase the century of work NAMM had done in the instrument production and retail industry.

Now, its doors are open to all who want to learn more about how music gets made.

Edison Home Phonograph Antique at the Museum of Making Music
Edison Home Phonograph Antique at the Museum of Making Music

Interactive Exhibits & Music Connections

In 2010, the museum began renovations to its exhibits that included more focus on interactive exhibits.

This renovation also made the instrument production industry side of music more accessible to the general public, teaching visitors more about the creation of various instruments and how the industry operates as a whole.

Piano in the Lobby of the Museum of Making Music
Piano in the Lobby of the Museum of Making Music

How Best to Visit the Museum of Making Music

With the museum’s grand re-opening, this is the perfect time to visit and celebrate the people and tools that make our favorite songs possible.

Discounted access to the Museum of Making Music has never been easier than through the Go City San Diego All Inclusive pass. Double up and save more with our exclusive additional discount, GVSD5OFF.

View over 500 instruments and the innovations that shaped the history and evolution of American music. Then channel your inner Rock God and pick up one of the dozen instruments in the interactive area.

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Don’t miss a beat!
Visit the Museum of Making Music today and discover a world of music and music making.

What to Expect - MoMM Galleries & Exhibits

Walking into the Museum of Making Music
Walking into the Museum of Making Music

The interior of the MoMM is full of exhibits that focus on different areas of music instrument production and sales. Many of these exhibits are interactive, encouraging all-ages learning.

As you walk through each of the exhibits, you’ll learn about every step in the instrument production process. You can explore on your own or enjoy a guided group tour.

Current Exhibits

The museum’s grand re-opening allows guests another chance to connect with music through interactivity and music-making.

Go deeper into how instruments have evolved through the ages plus so much more.

Making the Instruments

It all begins here - the craft, artistry, and reflection.

The creation of musical instruments is a blend of ideas, technology, and the expertise that defines each piece. Learn how it comes together for both musicians and the crafters.

Providing the Instruments

Gain a deeper insight into the knowledge and expertise that goes into connecting a musician with their instrument.

From the early beginnings, where instruments were first introduced to the world to using the power of music as a catalyst for political change, retailers have provided musicians with the tools they need for expression.

Using the Instruments

Musicians have the ability to bring instruments to life.

It is through their playing that listeners can connect to the player’s thoughts and feelings, while simultaneously adding their own to the song being played.

Beyond the Instruments

Learn how musical instruments go beyond their physical forms to create art, comfort, further connections, and more.

Is a guitar still simply a guitar once it is played in front of a crowd or has it evolved into something greater?

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There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Popular Hotels Nearby
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Price
Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
$175
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Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel
$108
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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
$632
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Upcoming Events at the Museum

On top of the permanent galleries, the MoMM frequently has guest musicians who demonstrate different instruments.

2024’s Upcoming Events

The MoMM welcomes artists of all types. Below is what you can expect for the 2024 season.

If you’d like tickets for any of these events, go directly to the MoMM official events page where tickets are for sale.

June Kuramoto and Kimo Cornwell

The MoMM will welcome kotoist June Kuramoto and keyboardist Kimo Cornwell for one afternoon only on May 19th, 2024 at 4:00pm. As a member of the jazz fusion group Hiroshima, tickets start at just $35.

North Coast Strings Spring Showcase

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 at 5:00pm will be a special time at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center. The North Coast Strings will celebrate lifelong learning. There will also be a beginners showcase and Orchestra One performance.

The best part – all performances are free!

OkCello

If I had to choose just one event from the 2024 season to bring my family to attend, this might be the one for me!

Okorie ‘OkCello’ Johnson will perform on Friday June 21, 2024 at 7:00pm. Starting at just $35, you can be treated to his improv on original compositions which blend classical, jazz, EDM, reggae and funk!

If you like interesting music, would like a unique experience and want to see real live talent, I recommend you consider this concert!

Curtis Taylor Quintet

Curtis Taylor is a jazz legend in my book! His sound is just so smooth. The harmonic rhythms blend so deeply that it could be said that they ‘connect with the soul’.

His quintet will be performing Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 7:00pm and tickets start at just $35.

Kids Educational Tours

Piano in the Lobby of the Museum of Making Music
Piano in the Lobby of the Museum of Making Music

The MoMM is a child-friendly museum that aims to encourage a love of music in people of all ages.

The museum runs a field trip program for grades K-12, where kids are taken on a tour of the museum and encouraged to engage with the interactive exhibits.

These tours are an exploration of historical events and people with a significant influence on the development of music.

The MoMM also offers educational tours for scout groups, as well as a tour geared towards preschoolers that includes story time and a drum circle.

All field trips are available by scheduling ahead.

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The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa
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Prices Starting at $260
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Free Parking
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Tips to Know in Advance

These tips will help you make your visit to the Museum of Making Music easy and fun!

Parking in Front of the Museum of Making Music
Parking in Front of the Museum of Making Music

Parking

Free parking is offered in the lot behind the building. There are spaces for RVs and buses, as well as areas to charge electric vehicles.

Visit Length

Walking through the museum typically takes about one to two hours.

Great Outdoor Mall at Carslbad Premium Outlets
Great Outdoor Mall at Carslbad Premium Outlets

Things to Do in Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a vibrant neighborhood with a Southern California beach feel, plenty of restaurants and lots of great shopping opportunities! I suggest the Shoppes at Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets.

It also is home to other premium attractions such as LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND®, and LEGOLAND Water Park, which I’d recommend for families with young kids.

You can also spend an afternoon in the sun at one of the Carlsbad Beaches like Carlsbad City Beach.

Exterior view The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Exterior view The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Where To Stay Nearby

The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa delivers plenty of Southern California hospitality. Which makes it the perfect place to rest after a full day - and night - in San Diego.

With spacious rooms and ocean views, access to beautiful gardens and terrace, and some of the best food in the area, you’ll have access to everything you need for a relaxing stay.

Plus, this pet friendly hotel provides doggie beds and bowls - so your best friend can join the vacation. That makes this hotel a win-win for couples and families alike!

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Stay Nearby

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
from $175 / night
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Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel
Near Legoland
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel
from $108 / night
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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Family Friendly
5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating5 Star Rating
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
from $632 / night
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