Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad adds new interactive experiences

The Museum of Making Music – a cultural destination dedicated to exploring the enduring relationship between people, instruments and the music we make – is undergoing a significant renovation to give visitors new interactive musical experiences at its Carlsbad location.

This June the Museum will close its doors to complete work on important enhancements to its galleries, which explore the multifaceted history of American music and instrument making from the late 19th century to present day. Aimed at increasing visitors’ engagement with musical instruments and creating interactive learning experiences, the Museum will unveil the new designs at a reopening celebration on Aug. 20, 2011.

“Since opening in 2000, the Museum has exposed visitors to the history of music through educational programs, exhibitions and our live performance series,” said Carolyn Grant, executive director at the Museum of Making Music. “This renovation allows us to further expand the popular interactive portion of our Museum’s vision, giving visitors a chance to pick up instruments and explore their own musicality during their visit.”

Four of the Museum’s galleries, which showcase more than a century of musical innovations, will be enhanced to highlight a “breakthrough” instrument from each era and create new awareness of musical instrument innovation.

The Museum’s fifth gallery will be fully renovated, offering nearly 1,100 square feet of updated stories of instrument innovation and usage as well as newly developed, state-of-the-art interactive displays. Visitors will be invited to sample music from around the world and play a variety of instruments independently or with their friends and family. Interactive instruments have been provided by Taylor Guitars, Korg, Kurzeil, Moog, The Martin Guitar Company, Deering Banjos, Rickenbacker International Corporation, Alternate Mode, and many more.

The project, designed by Academy Studios of Novato, Calif., will also include the creation of a new space to showcase temporary exhibits, which the Museum self-curates.

“This important renovation project will further the Museum’s mission to get people excited about the rich history of musical instruments and encourage family and friends to explore music making,” said Dean Weldon, president and CEO of Academy Studios. “Through ‘hands-on’ engagement, visitors to the Museum of Making Music will develop a personal connection to music and become participants, members, Museum supporters, active music makers, concert goers and life-long learners.”

For more information on the renovation project at the Museum of Making Music, visit www.MuseumofMakingMusic.org.

About the Museum of Making Music
Since its opening to the public in 2000, the Museum of Making Music has become a cultural destination with interactive and educational programs and exhibits. The Museum showcases the evolution of musical instruments from the late 19th century to present day in five galleries, and regularly hosts intimate concerts and hands-on workshops to introduce the public to the history of American music products.

The Museum of Making Music is located at 5790 Armada Drive in Carlsbad, Calif. General admission to the museum is $7; $5 for students, seniors and active military. Children ages five and under receive free admission. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and is closed Mondays. For more information, please call 760/438-5996 or visit www.MuseumofMakingMusic.org.