Studio Bell

Studio Bell opened in 2016 as the home of the National Music Centre, in a building of nine curved towers clad in terracotta by Allied Works, wrapped around a preserved 1905 hotel where the Rolling Stones once stayed. The collection runs to over two thousand instruments and artefacts, including rare synthesisers, a working Kimball theatre organ and the mobile recording studio the Rolling Stones used in the 1970s, which was shipped from Britain and reassembled. Elton John's writing studio from his Vancouver residence was donated and installed. Visitors can play many of the instruments, which is unusual for a collection of this value.

What you actually see

• The playable instruments - much of the collection is hands-on.
• The Rolling Stones mobile studio - the 1970s recording truck reassembled inside.
• Elton John's studio - his writing room rebuilt in the building.
• The Canadian halls of fame - country, songwriters and broadcast collections.

When to go

Year-round; it closes Mondays and Tuesdays in some seasons. Live performances and recording sessions run in the venue. Allow two to three hours for the five floors.

Honest expectations

Ticket prices are high for the size. Not every instrument is playable and some rooms are behind glass. The collection is strong on Canadian music, which may be unfamiliar to visitors.

Nearby

Heritage Park lies southwest; the Calgary Tower is a short walk.