Take A Musical Break At This Unique Bengaluru Museum
Do you know there are over 35 versions of the song "Vande Mataram?" Or what is Nagphani or Kavaad? Have you wondered about the journey of recorded sound from the gramophone to the mobile phone? Find your answers to everything about Indian music at this interactive museum located in the capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru.
The Indian Music Experience Museum is an initiative of the non-profit Indian Music Experience Trust, supported by the Brigade Group. Spread over 50,000 square feet, it's filled with interactive, permanent and temporary exhibits, which explore the diversity of Indian music across genres, from contemporary to classical, from folk to movies. The best way to enjoy the displays is to start at the top floor of the three-story building. The main exhibits cover a wide range of topics and are enlivened by both traditional and the latest technological elements.
Know about the songs that mark events such as birth, puberty, marriage and death, which have been part of India's living heritage across the country, especially among the rural and tribal communities, at the "Songs of the People" Gallery.
The "Songs of Struggle" Gallery has an interesting archive on the role of music in various protests, from national movements to dissent.
While at the "Stories through Songs" Gallery, you not only learn about the significant role played by Indian movies in the evolution of modern music but also enjoy a photo opportunity with the poster of an iconic Hindi film. In fact, each gallery has an interactive opportunity.
The Instruments Gallery contains displays of over 100 musical instruments from across the country, along with details about their origin, making and playing techniques. The Stars Gallery is a reminder of the musical greats of India.
Much More Than History
But the museum is about more than just history and tradition—the elaborately designed Contemporary Expressions Gallery, talks about the early days of the independent "indie" rock music scene in India. See what the Sunburn Festival or other music festivals are about through footage of the events. There is also a hybrid sound interactive.
The Sound Garden is a world unto itself. Enjoy the sound and rhythm through musical installations such as a Humming Stone or a Storm Drum. Create your own sound wave with an instrument made out of diverse materials, which produces different sounds when you gently tap the bars with a mallet.
The museum also conducts classes and workshops through its Learning Centre, apart from holding musical events or running special projects. For souvenirs, you may visit the museum shop (available online too).
The Indian Music Experience Museum is open on weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm. Weekend timings are 11 am to 7 PM. It is closed on Monday.
Tickets cost INR 100 and are available on BookMyShow
Address: Brigade Millennium Avenue, JP Nagar 7th phase, Bengaluru,
Karnataka 560078
