The Musical Museum, Brentford

A real gem of a museum in southwestern Greater London. Do join one of the three tours per day, 75 minutes long, as it illustrates the workings and sounds of many of the self-playing instruments. Wonderful! Guide Clive told us how the museum evolved and about its current purpose-built building, then demonstrated several of the instruments and machines, many of which show incredibly ingenious design and function. Clive knows the museum pieces well and even reveals his own musical talent during the tour. The tour includes hearing Gershwin play and concludes with the theatre Wurlitzer upstairs. Café and gift shop available.

What an amazing museum, a real gem with so much to look & listen too. We had a great guide for 20 of the U3A group I was attending with. Had a super recital on the Wurlitzer theatre organ, still used when they show black & white movies, and tea dances.