The Music House Museum

The Music House Museum

Recognized by Forbes.com as one of the ten reasons to visit Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the Music House Museum offers a unique collection of instruments that provide guests with a walk through the history, the artistry and the engineering of automated music.

At the Music House Museum in picturesque Northern Michigan, we believe that music has the power to unite, inspire, and transform. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of the Great Lakes region, our museum stands as a beacon for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike.

A Rich Musical Tapestry

Throughout the year, we curate a vibrant calendar of events designed to captivate and enchant our visitors. From captivating concerts to engaging workshops, each event at the Music House Museum is a harmonious celebration of the rich tapestry of musical heritage.

We invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of music at the Music House Museum. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will resonate long after the final chord has faded away. Come, be a part of our musical legacy.

A History of Music

The Music House Museum, located in the beautiful rolling, orchard-covered hills of Grand Traverse County, just north of Traverse City, Michigan, was founded in 1983.

The Museum’s unique collection of instruments provides guests with a walk through the history, artistry and engineering of automated music.

The collection spans from the late 18th century to 1950, going from simple music boxes to early recorded sound and radio. The hour and a half long, docent guided tour showcases the beauty of the craftsmanship, the history of the era and the complexity of the engineering of the collection as well as allowing guests to hear many of the rare instruments on display actually play.

Latest News & Events

Click the image above for the latest news, updates & announcements from the Music House Museum!

Online Gift Shop

Stop by our online gift shop for some great gift ideas for your friends and family!

Lving Music History

Learn about the history of the Music House Museum through photos and words.

Photo Galleries

Our multimedia section features photo galleries and audio clips from our instruments.

Amaryllis, Mortier Dance Organ

The jewel of the Museum’s mechanical instrument collection is the 1922 Theofiel Mortier Dance Organ called the “Amaryllis.” The instrument was named by its builder for the flower pictured in the top most panels in his eldest daughter’s hair.

The “Amaryllis” was originally built for the Victoria Palace (a dance hall/café) in Ypres, Belgium. It was brought to the United States in 1967 and purchased from collectors in Ohio in 1982 by the Museum. It was restored by Dean Junker for the Museum’s formal opening in 1983.

Gratitude and Accolades

At the Music House Museum in Northern Michigan, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support we receive from a myriad of individuals, businesses, institutions, and volunteers. Their generosity, both in terms of financial contributions and precious time, sustains our mission of preserving and celebrating the rich history of music.

Our museum stands as a testament to the dedication of our supporters, whose contributions enable us to maintain our extensive collection of rare and fascinating musical instruments and artifacts. From vintage player pianos to meticulously crafted violins, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and creativity that deserves to be cherished and shared with generations to come.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content