National Music Museum

Discover unique musical instruments that you may have never seen before.

The National Music Museum is located at The University of South Dakota and was founded in 1973. It features a collection of over 15,000 instruments from many cultures and historical periods, including some instruments many people do not know exist. They have priceless Italian violins, celebrity guitars, harpsichords, and much more. You will also see a Johnny Cash guitar, a special exhibit on a violin-maker's shop, and an interesting exhibit about the instruments that were used in the American Civil War. Some of the instruments are so large they take up an entire room.

When you get a chance to visit, make sure to get the electronic device for your self-guided tour that will link to audio or visual files that explain the various exhibits. The device provides an individualized experience and shows the progression of instrumental history, allowing visitors to hear what some of the instruments sound like and see some of the instruments being played. Admission is as follows: adults $10, seniors $8, children free. Anyone who loves music will be intrigued by the National Music Museum.