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Despite the last post I wrote about Calgary I don’t always hate the city. I do hate driving there, and I always get lost and that sucks, but I must admit Calgary has some great things to see. One of my favourite places to visit in Calgary is Studio Bell’s National Music Centre.
About The National Music Centre
The National Music Centre (NMC) is an museum with exhibits on Canadian musicians and bands, as well as other Canadian contributions to the Canadian music scene. It also has broader exhibits on music as well. The NMC has a history spanning 38 years, and has undergone different names and changes over that time. They opened in their current location in downtown Calgary on 4 Street SE back in 2016. I was living in Ireland at that time and decided I’d go visit the NMC when I got home to Edmonton, but I didn’t get to the NMC until last year. I loved that visit to the NMC and I went back this past June for another visit.
About CanCon
In Canada, we have something called CanCon—short for Canadian Content. These are regulations that require a certain percentage of media content in Canada to be of Canadian origin. Commercial radio stations must ensure at least 35% of the music they play is Canadian. CanCon was introduced to support Canadian artists, including musicians, songwriters, and filmmakers, and to help them gain exposure in a market greatly influenced by American media. The methods for determining and enforcing CanCon have changed over the years, but the result means Canadian audiences are regularly exposed to Canadian music and culture.
While there are many Canadian musicians and bands that are internationally successful some are only well known in Canada. And there are some that are only well-known in certain genres or regions of Canada. For example my knowledge of Quebecois musicians and artists is basically Celine Dion and Roch Voisine. You may not be familiar with every artist here, but all have had an impact on music in Canada.
Floor 5
My first time at the NMC the staff suggested t start on the top floor (5) and work down, however there isn’t a bad way to see the NMC. Floor 5 is all about Canadian bands and artists who’ve been inducted in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. On my recent visit there was a feature exhibit on the 2025 inductees including Sum 41, Dan Hill, Ginette Reno, Glass Tiger, and Loreena McKennitt. Idols and Icons features instruments and artifacts from Canadian music artist. On my last visit they had Piano 325 which was all about the 325th anniversary of the piano.
Floor 4
Floor 4 has Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame, and l’Association Québécoise de l’industrie du disque, du spectacle et de la video (ADISQ) – this focusing on Quebecois musicians and artists. They also have Unplugged an exhibit all about acoustic instruments and Plugged In an exhibit all about electronic instruments.
Floor 3
Floor 3 has 5 main exhibits. Music and Wellness focuses on the impact music has on mental and physical health, including cultural impacts. Listen let’s you put on random headphones to hear a random song and share your thoughts. Sound Affects features the massive Kimball Organ, which helped provide music and sound effects in early silent films. Then Voice is all about the human voice as a musical instrument. Last year I checked out the exhibit Speak up! which was about Indigenous artists in Canada. This exhibit was temporarily closed on my last visit.
Floor 2
The last main exhibits are on Floor 2. Here the focus is about how Canada as a country impacts Canadian music and musicians and vice versa. You’ll find Made In Canada, Soundscapes, Where Music Lives (focusing on concert venues in Canada), and Trailblazers: Alberta (focusing on Albertan musicians). On this floor is a concert hall and there are often performances here. Check the NMC website for details on upcoming events.
Floor 1
Floor 1 (ground floor) has the admission desk, gift store (which also has a cafe), and The Drop In Zone, which is a free public space (can be accessed without admission). While you’re free to explore the NMC on your own (after purchasing admission) you can also book an NMC tour (additional rates apply). They offer a Greatest Hit Tour and Backstage Pass Tour – both meet in the lobby on Floor 1.
Would I Go Back?
Yes! As someone who loves music the NMC was my jam. One of the things I love about the NMC how interactive exhibits. Yes, there are plenty of items behind glass or ropes you can’t touch, but there are interactive exhibits. I learned how to play the chorus of the song “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. There were many displays on Canadian musicians and artists, but also about music in general and musical instruments. Plus, the NMC has lots of concerts, classes, and other events that take place throughout the year. On my next visit I want to take one of the tours they offer. It’s not a matter of if I’ll go back, but when I go back. I hope to go back to the NMC soon.
Things To Know
Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre is located at 850 4 Street SE, Calgary. There is a paid parking lot next to the building or if you’re taking the C-Train the City Hall station is only an 8-minute walk away.
The NMC is open daily from 10am to 5pm (holiday hours may vary). Admission ranges from free (for kids under 3) for $24.50 for an adult. You can get a free Calgary Attraction Pass (downloads to your phone) to save 20% on general admission to the NMC. Backstage tours, available on Saturdays and Sundays only, are an extra charge from general admission (up to $12/person). Concerts, when available, may also have an additional charge.
I was not compensated by the NMC or Tourism Calgary or any other agency for writing this post. All opinions here are my own.
If you’re coming to Calgary for longer than a few hours (which I do recommend) you can book your hotel here.
Have you been to the National Music Centre in Calgary?