Who doesn’t love these old-fashioned music hall instruments? It’s so nice to see an old barrel organ passing by every now and then or playing on the corner of the street. We are truly grateful that these magical music machines still deliver their full musical sounds. It’s almost impossible to imagine that in days gone by, our ancestors danced to this music.
Street Barrel Organs are timeless
Street barrel organs are great, so never walk past a mechanical music maker, the operator of the barrel organ who stands there proud with his little money basket without putting a cent in it. The money collected is used to maintain the barrel organ. For all these lovely old-fashioned musical instruments is a museum. you will find this in the center of Utrecht and it is called the Museum “Speelklok tot Pierement. It is highly recommended to visit this world of beautiful historical dancing musical instruments. So do visit the wonderful world of self-playing musical instruments.
Street Barrel Organs, Music Boxes, and Chime Clockworks
The collection of the Speelklok Museum consists of several types of mechanical music machines such as music clocks, music boxes, and barrel organs. It is difficult to translate the word “Speelklok’. The literal translation of “speelklok” is play clock, but that is not what it means. The definition of a play clock is a clock with music. The music in this type of clock is made with an automatic playing mechanism. These music machines are called barrel organs but are also known as Hurdy Gurdy and Street organs. These mechanical musical machines, sometimes with a clock and sometimes sometimes clocks, were invented and made from the knowledge, love, and craftsmanship of talented clockmakers. They are all true wonderful pieces of engineering,
The Museum Speelklok, situated in Utrecht, Netherlands, is a museum that showcases a range of mechanical musical instruments which can play music without human intervention. The term “Speelklok” in Dutch language means “musical clock” and it hints towards the museum’s main emphasis on self-playing musical instruments such as mechanical pianos, music boxes, and various types of musical clocks.
Here are some key points about the Museum Speelklok:
- History: The museum is housed in a former medieval church, the Buurkerk, which provides a beautiful and historic backdrop to the collection. The museum opened in 1956.
- Collection: The Museum Speelklok has an extensive and diverse collection of self-playing musical instruments, spanning several centuries. Visitors can see and hear various music boxes, street organs, orchestrations, and other mechanical musical instruments.
- Demonstrations: One of the highlights of the museum is the regular demonstrations of the musical instruments. During these demonstrations, visitors can experience the instruments in action, creating a delightful and immersive musical experience.
- Interactive Experience: The museum provides an interactive experience, allowing visitors to interact with some of the exhibits and even play some of the instruments themselves. This hands-on approach makes it an engaging and educational attraction for all ages.
- Exhibits and Exhibitions: The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events related to mechanical music, musical clocks, and related themes. These exhibits can provide a fresh perspective and additional depth to the museum’s collection.
- Education: The museum also serves as an educational institution, offering programs and workshops related to mechanical music and the history of self-playing instruments.
- Shop and Café: There is a museum shop and a very nice cafe where visitors can purchase souvenirs and enjoy a relaxing break.
The Museum Speelklok is a wonderful and exceptional destination for music lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the fusion of music, technology, and art. It’s a place where the past comes to life through the harmonious sounds of captivating, self-playing musical instruments.
Where to find the Museum Speelklok?
The Museum Speelklok is located in the heart of Utrecht, making it easily accessible to tourists and locals alike.
➔ READ MORE – Museum Speelklok, in the city of Utrecht
➔ READ MORE – Like to get a Nijntje – Miffy Music box? Take a look at this, you might like it!
How to get to the Museum Speelklok?
Upon arriving by train, you walk straight from the largest shopping mall in the Netherlands and the lovely historic shopping streets of Utrecht to the Museum Speelklok en Pierement.
➔ READ MORE – Biggest shopping mall in the center of the Netherlands, Hoog Catharijne
What more is there to do in Utrecht
If you’re planning to visit Utrecht, apart from exploring the Museum Speelklok, there are various other activities you can enjoy in the city’s historic center. As you walk around, you’ll be amazed by the stunning old canal houses, bridges, boats, and church towers, all of which are beautifully illuminated and highlighted in unique ways.
➔ READ MORE – Historic Utrecht, a great city in the middle of the Netherlands
If you like Utrecht, stay the night in Hotel Slapen onder de Dom
Hotel “Slapen onder Dom” can be translated as “Hotel Sleeping under the Dome” This hotel is located in a renovated and modernized historic wharf cellar on the Oudegracht. All fascinating sights you will find in the vicinity of this bed & breakfast. Nightlife venues are within walking distance, for example, Tivoli Vredenburg for the most awesome concerts, discotheques, great hotel restaurants, the Utrecht Jaarbeurs, trendy cafes on the Neude, the Janskerkhof with cafe Hofman for dancing till the late hours. You won’t be bored for a moment here.
➔ READ MORE – Book your stay in the hotel Slapen onder de Dom.
Get your own iconic Dom Tower
Discover a world full of unique treasures online inspired by the iconic Dom Tower! From elegant candles to cute onesies, captivating posters to charming lamps, and even beautiful birdhouses. A beautiful memory of historic Utrecht.
➔ READ MORE – The Dom Tower of the city Utrecht
Ticketservice at GetYourGuide Museum Speelklok
The Museum Speelklok’s street barrel organ tickets are most easily purchased through GetYourGuide.
➔ READ MORE – Ticket Museum Speelklok Utrecht
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