Explore Canada's music story through five floors of music exhibitions, live performances, and interactive activities for the whole family.
MUSEUM RULES
At Studio Bell, we celebrate the stories of music in Canada through artifacts and rare instruments. Please help protect our collection, yourself, and others by following these important museum rules:
- Visitors are allowed to bring bottled water into Studio Bell. All other food and beverages must be consumed on Level 1
- No flash photography or tripods — please see our FAQ below for more information on photography permissions
- No smoking or vaping
- No pets—only licensed service animals are permitted with valid proof.
- Unless given permission to do so, no touching exhibitions, cases, or artifacts
- Stairwells and exhibit entrances must always be accessible
- A guardian must accompany children 12 years and under when they visit Studio Bell
Support the National Music Centre, a registered charity
Visitors are encouraged to consider supporting NMC’s charitable efforts by giving in the following ways:
- Leave a one-time donation online at studiobell.ca/donate or become a monthly donor at and be the steady rhythm that keeps NMC on beat.
- Become a member at studiobell.ca/become-a-member.
- Shop the NMC Gift Shop & Café online at nmcgiftshop.ca to shop locally made, music-inspired gifts from the comfort of your couch. The NMC Gift Shop & Café is open during regular museum hours, so you can continue to shop in person.
- Read, watch, and listen to the stories, videos, and concerts we continue to publish on amplify.nmc.ca and please like and share with your networks.
- Visit the King Eddy. Show your Studio Bell ticket stub, and get 10% off your food and beverage bill.
NMC is a non-governmental, non-profit registered charitable organization that relies on earned revenue and donations to keep sharing and developing Canada’s national music story from our home base in Calgary, Alberta. By supporting NMC’s charitable efforts, you are helping to ensure a sustainable future for National Music Centre and its programs that bring people together through the power and spirit of music.
Things to Do
As we continue to increase capacity and recover from the pandemic, it will not be your typical experience, but there will still be lots to see and do at Studio Bell.
- Visitors can see breathtaking architecture, catch regular weekend performances, and watch demonstrations of fan favourite, the Kimball Theatre Organ, every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm (subject to availability).
- Visit the front desk to rent an audio guide listening devices for $5 and explore Bonus Tracks, a self-guided audio tour series that allows visitors to get unique insights into artifacts, hear from iconic personalities, and listen to compelling stories about Canadian music history.
- Guests can dive into the evolving story of music in Canada through new and updated exhibitions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame exhibition, a special gallery celebrating hip-hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes, and the newly updated Speak Up! exhibition showcasing Indigenous trailblazers in music.
- Book a Backstage Pass guided tour to explore the hits of the National Music Centre's exhibitions, dive deeper into specific artifacts, and see the collection come to life with a musically trained tour guide.
- Complete your visit with a stop at the NMC Gift Shop & Café. Opening hours coincide with Studio Bell’s regular hours of operation. Please note: The NMC Gift Shop & Café is accessible from inside Studio Bell’s lobby.
- We recommend a stop to the main floor of the historic King Eddy for drinks, bites, and live tunes. Show your Studio Bell ticket stub to get 10% off your bill.
Virtual Tour
Want a preview of what you can experience in person? In celebration of Studio Bell's five-year anniversary, explore an immersive, 360-degree virtual tour. The tour brings our exhibitions and stunning architecture to online audiences, giving music fans from around the world the chance to enjoy the National Music Centre experience. Take a tour at studiobell.ca/virtual-tour.
The Building
Studio Bell is the first national cultural institution dedicated to celebrating music in Canada in all of its forms. The 160,000-square-foot building designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture is composed of nine subtly curved interlocking towers clad in glazed terra cotta. And, it sounds as good as it looks! Referencing the design of musical instruments, the facility’s open spaces resonate with the sounds of music and activity, drawing visitors up through five floors of acoustically and visually distinct exhibition, performance, and gallery spaces.
Lost Something?
Our Lost and Found is located on Level One at the Security office.
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FAQs
Is my Studio Bell admission ticket for timed entry? Studio Bell admission is not timed entry, so your admission ticket is valid all day. You are welcome to come and go during the day, just ensure to show your ticket to the Visitor Experience desk upon re-entry.
How much time do people typically spend at Studio Bell? To explore all five floors of the museum, we recommend spending two hours. If you choose to visit Studio Bell on a day when museum programming is happening, this may increase the length of your visit.
Are group rates available for admission? Yes, group rates are available for groups larger than 10 if paid all together in one transaction. Please contact our Visitor Experience team at 403-543-5115 for more information.
Are wheelchairs available for rent at Studio Bell? Wheelchairs are available at Studio Bell on a first-come, first served basis. Please visit the Visitor Experience desk to inquire about availability.
Are visitors allowed to take photos? Photography for personal use without the use of flash, tripods, or selfie-sticks is permitted. If you would like to arrange for a commercial photo or video shoot, please inquire with our Events Team here.
Are food and beverages available for purchase? The NMC Gift Shop & Café offers grab-and-go snacks and drinks, and fresh pastries.
Does Studio Bell have a gift shop? Yes. After your visit, be sure to stop into the NMC Gift Shop & Café. Shop for exclusive NMC merchandise, find your new favourite book, or find a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone in your life.