What Everyone Should Know About the National Music Museum
Nestled in a community of about 10,000 and located on the campus of the University of South Dakota (USD) is one of the most renowned music museums. This museum holds over 10,000 plus instruments from every culture imaginable, and from all different eras of time.
The National Music Museum & Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments was founded in 1973 and is located in Vermillion, South Dakota. It is considered to be one of the greatest institutions of music in the world. It ranks high among other cultural centers in places such as; Berlin, Germany; Paris, France; Vienna, Austria; and Brussels, Belgium.
At this museum you will come across historical instruments dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and from all over the world. These instruments are originals of very famous instrument makers of their time. This collection is also considered to be the most inclusive collection anywhere. Among the museum pieces are one of two Stradivari guitars that are in a museum, and one of two Stradivari mandolins that have been known to survive. This museum is the only place in the world where there are two 18th century grand pianos. One made in 1767 by a Portuguese maker, and one made in 1781 by a French maker.
This museum can be enjoyed and appreciated by people and children of all walks of life and cultures. You do not need to be a music love to enjoy these magnificent displays
Not only are there individual instruments collected here, but there are whole collections from various people and companies from around the United States. They have donated to this museum and center for study a variety of instruments that enables students to study them and learn more about them.
The Carnegie building that houses these instruments is a climate controlled building, with 750 instruments displayed in nine galleries. There is also a concert hall where performances are heard or where recording is done on instruments of the past. Study areas are available, along with a library and an up to date conservation laboratory.
A museum such as this cannot be just simply read about. It must be experienced first hand. No words will do it justice. If you are planning a trip that takes you by Vermillion, South Dakota or the Vermillion exit on interstate 29, please take the time to visit the National Music Museum & Center for Study of the History of Musical Instruments on the campus of the University of South Dakota. You will not be disappointed.
