Take a Musical Break at this Unique Museum

Do you know there are over 35 versions of the song ‘Vande Mataram’? Or what is Nagphani or Kavaad? Have you wondered about the journey of recorded sound from gramophone to the mobile phone? Find your answers to everything about Indian music at this interactive museum located in the capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru.

 

 

 

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The Indian Music Experience Museum is an initiative of the non-profit Indian Music Experience Trust, supported by the Brigade Group. Spread over 50,000 square feet, it is filled with interactive, permanent and temporary exhibits, which explore the diversity of Indian music across genres, from contemporary to classical, from folk to movies. The best way to enjoy the displays is to start at the top floor of the three story building. The main exhibits cover a wide range of topics and have been enlivened through traditional as well as latest technological elements.

Know about the songs that mark events such as birth, puberty, marriage and death, which have been part of India’s living heritage across the country, especially among the rural and tribal communities, at the ‘Songs of the People’ Gallery.

 

 

 

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The ‘Songs of Struggle’ Gallery has an interesting archive on the role of music in various protests, from national movements to dissent.

At the ‘Stories through Songs’ Gallery, you not only learn about the significant role played by Indian movies in the evolution of modern music but also enjoy a photo opportunity with the poster of an iconic Hindi film. In fact each every gallery has some interactive opportunity.

The Instruments Gallery contains displays of over 100 musical instruments from across the country, along with details about their origin, making and playing techniques. The Stars Gallery is a reminder of the musical greats of India.

But the museum is not all about history and tradition. The elaborately designed Contemporary Expressions Gallery, among other things, talks about the early days of independent ‘indie’ rock music in India. See what the Sunburn Festival or other music festivals are about through footages of the events. There is also a hybrid sound interactive.

The Sound Garden is a world unto itself. Enjoy the sound and rhythm through musical installations such as a Humming Stone or a Storm Drum. Create your own sound wave at an instrument made out of diverse material which produces different sounds when you gently tap the bars with a mallet. 

 

 

 

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The museum also conducts classes and workshops (online in the pandemic situation) through its Learning Centre, apart from holding musical events or running special projects. For souvenirs, you may visit the museum shop (available online too). 

The Indian Music Experience Museum is open between Friday and Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. Ticketed entry (can be bought online).