The Museum of Making Music sits adjacent to LEGOLAND and could easily be missed by visitors focused on the bigger attraction next door, but it rewards anyone who takes the detour. The permanent collection traces a century of American popular music through the instruments that made it possible — from the parlour pianos and banjos of the 1890s through the electric guitar revolution, synthesisers, and digital production tools of the present day.
Displays are hands-on throughout: you can pick up instruments and play them, experiment with recording software, and try your hand at MIDI controllers. The timeline approach works well, making clear how changes in technology reshaped the music that was possible. There is a particular pleasure in hearing — and touching — the actual kinds of instruments that played the music you already know. Admission is modest, and the museum typically runs family programmes at weekends.