The Northleach Mechanical Music Museum is a living museum of the extraordinary variety of self-playing musical instruments and automata which were the pride and joy of our Great Grandparents, and the only kind of "canned" musical entertainment available in the home before regular broadcasting started up in 1924. All the instruments are maintained in the most perfect possible order in the world-famous workshops on the premises, and introduced and played by well informed guides in the form of a live entertainment. The museum is wheelchair accessible, welcomes assistance dogs and given the tactile and sensory experiences available would be an excellent place to visit for the visually impaired. Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors. Ramp / Level Access. Toilets for Disabled Visitors.
"It began with a demonstration of a 200 year old barrel organ and then our guide explained the development of musical boxes from small examples through to several huge upright Polyphons. This was followed by demonstrations of an Edison Phonograph and an early gramophone which played the record using a bamboo stylus with the amplification provided by a chicken wire and papier-mâché horn! The tour concluded with several automatic pianos being put through their paces by our knowledgeable guide. All the exhibits have been beautifully and expertly restored on the premises. The tours are continuous, so there is no hanging around waiting for a tour to start. The slight downside to this is that joining a tour towards the end means that one hears the more modern and most impressive sounding instruments first. It must be a bit of an anti-climax listening to a barrel organ just minutes after being treated to part of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no.2. " Quote from Trip Advisor.
Location : The Oak House, High Street, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3ET
Transport: Cheltenham (National Rail) then bus (853 or 801). Bus Routes : 801 and 853 stop here.
Opening Times : Daily 10:00 to 17:00.
Tickets : Adults £8.00; Seniors £7.00; Children £3.50
Tel: 01451 860181
