The Musical Museum, Brentford: A Living Legacy of Mechanical Music
Discover the enchanting world of self-playing instruments and live Wurlitzer concerts at Brentford’s Musical Museum.
The Musical Museum in Brentford is a unique museum dedicated to the history and evolution of mechanical and automatic musical instruments. Its vast collection includes self-playing pianos, orchestrions, gramophones, and the famous Wurlitzer theatre organ, all demonstrated live by passionate volunteers. The museum offers interactive tours, concerts, and a recreated historic shopping street, creating an immersive experience for music lovers and families alike.
A brief summary to The Musical Museum
- 399 High St, Brentford, TW8 0DU, GB
- +442085608108
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book a guided tour to fully appreciate the intricate workings and history of the instruments.
- Stay for a live Wurlitzer theatre organ performance, a highlight not to be missed.
- Visit on weekends or Bank Holidays for the best chance to catch demonstrations and concerts.
- Children under 5 enter free, making it a great family-friendly outing.
- Check for special events like silent film screenings to enhance your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Overground to Kew Bridge Station, then a 15-minute walk along the Thames Path to the museum. Journey time from central London is approximately 40-50 minutes. No additional cost beyond standard Oyster or contactless fares.
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Bus
Bus routes 65 and 237 serve Brentford High Street near the museum. From central London, travel time is around 50-60 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently during the day with standard London bus fares applying.
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Car
Driving to the museum is convenient via the A4 or M4 motorway. Limited on-site parking is available; nearby street parking may require payment. Expect 25-40 minutes travel time from central London depending on traffic. Parking charges apply.
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Walking
For local visitors, a pleasant 20-30 minute walk from Brentford town center follows mostly flat terrain along High Street and the riverfront, suitable for most fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.
The Musical Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Musical Museum
A Treasure Trove of Mechanical Music History
The Musical Museum, founded in 1963 by Frank Holland MBE, is a nationally significant collection housed in a purpose-built facility in Brentford. It preserves and showcases an extraordinary array of automatic musical instruments spanning from the 18th century to the late 20th century. The collection includes music boxes, pianolas, orchestrions, gramophones, early synthesizers, and the iconic Wurlitzer theatre organ, which was originally designed to accompany silent films but has become a star attraction in its own right.Immersive Experiences and Live Demonstrations
Visitors are treated to live demonstrations of many instruments, guided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers who bring the history and mechanics of these devices to life. The museum’s tours are interactive and informative, allowing guests to see, hear, and sometimes engage with the instruments firsthand. Regular concerts and special events, including silent film screenings accompanied by the Wurlitzer, add to the vibrant atmosphere and deepen the appreciation of mechanical music’s cultural impact.The Museum’s Unique Setting and Atmosphere
Located near Kew Bridge, the museum features a recreated historic shopping street that enhances the visitor experience with an atmospheric backdrop. The building itself includes a 230-seat auditorium, ensuring a comfortable setting for concerts and presentations. The museum’s charm lies not only in its collection but also in the passion and dedication of its volunteer staff, who foster a welcoming and engaging environment.Educational and Family-Friendly Appeal
The Musical Museum is well suited for families, music enthusiasts, and those curious about the evolution of sound reproduction technology. Children enjoy the interactive nature of the exhibits, while adults gain insight into the craftsmanship and innovation behind the instruments. The museum also offers a café and a gift shop with unique musical souvenirs, making it a complete outing for visitors.Challenges and Preservation Efforts
As an independent charity, the museum relies heavily on donations, legacies, and volunteer support, with no regular public funding. Rising operational costs and the impact of the pandemic have posed financial challenges. Nevertheless, the museum continues its mission to preserve and celebrate mechanical music heritage, inviting visitors to support its ongoing work.Visiting Details and Accessibility
Open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays, the museum welcomes visitors from 10:30am to 4pm, with last entry at 4pm. It offers full wheelchair access and is committed to providing an inclusive experience. Admission tickets include options for adults, children, families, and concessions, with discounts for local residents. Group visits and special event bookings are also accommodated.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford
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Queen Charlotte's Cottage
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Richmond Bridge
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Richmond Hill - Viewing Point
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Hammersmith Bridge
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Mr Mathias Winkler
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Barmy Arms
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Church Street Twickenham
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Queen Victoria Monument
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Leighton House
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Howard Staunton Blue Plaque
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Notting Hill
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Sambourne House
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Unmissable attractions to see
London Museum of Water & Steam
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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The National Archives
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Gunnersbury Park Museum
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Marianne North Gallery
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Gunnersbury Triangle, London Wildlife Trust
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Boston Manor House
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Syon House
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Boston Manor Park
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Syon Park
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Turnham Green
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Christ Church Turnham Green
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Chiswick Bridge
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Chiswick House and Gardens
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Ealing Common
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Essential places to dine
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The Petersham Restaurant
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The Ladbroke Arms
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Portobello Garden Arcade Italian Restaurant
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Gold
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The Sushi Co - Notting Hill
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Brouge Gastropub
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The London Heritage
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Octavia Foundation - Kensington
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the Design Museum Shop - High Street Shop
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the Design Museum Shop
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Oxfam Shop - Kensington High Street
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The Blue Door
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Portobello Rd
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
