Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre (NMC) uses exhibitions and education to promote the musical achievements of Canadians. Built for the protection and amplification of artistic development, NMC’s programming lifts up musicians of all ages. There is also a collection of over 2000 pieces spanning the past 450 years of musical history. Studio Bell can truly show the evolution of music across the country through these artifacts. You can also explore the online collection here with new items being added all the time.
Upon entering Studio Bell, you will be able to walk the red carpet towards the latest inductees to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. At the time of my visit, I was able to see guitars belonging to Nickelback with a life-sized cutout of the band that made for the perfect photo-op! Once you go upstairs, the exhibitions will show you the amazing Canadians and their contributions to the world of music. With music from the past mixed with the popular music heard today, Canada has so much to celebrate. Included in this self-guided tour, you will also find a space on the fourth floor where you can play instruments and make your own music!
One of my standout highlights was the Made in Canada exhibition! On the second floor of Studio Bell, this exhibition is just one room in the larger space they call the Music Mosaic. Here, there are highlighted artists who have made and continue to make musical history as Canadians. With artist profiles, actual instruments that they used and audio to listen to, you can experience all genres of music through different senses. You might even find a new favourite musician in the process!
A Closer Look
Studio Bell has been a Canoo partner for 6 years giving newcomers in Canada the opportunity to visit for free. Shahrazad Azzi is the Manager of Visitor Experiences and works closely with Canoo to ensure users have an incredible time at Studio Bell. Azzi has worked at Studio Bell for over 7 years. Her knowledge of the facility and all that it has to offer is one without bounds.
Why did you decide to become a Canoo Partner?
When we were searching for partnerships, we were trying to find places that gave back to the community and that allowed for more accessibility to our building. Canoo was a perfect fit for that on a national level.
Why should people activate their Canoo membership?
It is a really hard thing to come to a new country. Canoo is great to provide the opportunity to explore new things without having to spend so much money, in general. It helps you to better know the new country you are in.
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Plan Your Visit Today
How do I get there?
Studio Bell is located in Calgary’s East Village at 850 4 Street. With paid parking directly next to Studio Bell, you can travel by car. It is also approx. a 5-7 minute walk from the City Hall LRT Station if you are travelling by public transit. For more information on traveling via train or bus, please visit www.calgarytransit.com.
Make sure to plan your visit between Wednesdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Studio Bell is closed to the public.
How much time should I prepare to spend here?
Approx. 2-3 hours.
How much does it cost?
Adults: $21.50
Students / Seniors (65+): $16.50
Youth (ages 4-12): $13.50
But for Canoo members, it’s FREE! Use your app to help plan your visit here.
5 Fun Facts About Studio Bell
Studio Bell runs an Indigenous initiative, called Ohsoto’kino. This amplifies musical exhibitions and development for Indigenous artists through an incubator program. Here, Indigenous artists from across Canada can connect with one another, learn new skills, and meet with industry experts to move forward in their careers.
NMC Jam Club is a free after school program for teens at any skill level to practice music with a team of educators and special guest mentors. This program typically runs on Thursdays in the late afternoon. There are some off periods between seasons, so check online to ensure the program is running before you go.
While some exhibitions at Studio Bell are permanent, there are a number of changing exhibitions. This means each time you visit, there will always be something new to see.
There is an incredibly detailed and free virtual tour available online if you are unsure about accessibility or general interest, so that you can better prepare for your visit.
You can attend live performances that include local artists or even internationally famous Canadian musicians, like Nickelback.
Download and activate Canoo today and you can plan your visit to Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre with friends or family to learn more about the history and the future of music in Canada.
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