Virginia Musical Museum — Attraction in Williamsburg

What a hidden gem! This is one of the most interesting museums our family, including two teenagers, has ever seen. It doesn't look like more than a piano store from the road, but Mr. Parker's incredible collection offers nine rooms chocked full of rare musical instruments and music-related lore. The Virginia Music Hall of Fame area of the museum features famous musicians born in Virginia and their one-of-a-kind artifacts donated to the museum. The website does not do this place justice at all -- you just have to go see it in person! It's a perfect outing on a hot or rainy day or if you're like us and already exhausted all of the other entertainment options in Williamsburg many times over. Be sure to visit on a Friday for a personalized tour from a most charismatic and knowledgeable guide at no extra cost. Plan on spending at least 90 minutes there (and hours if you're into pop culture). If you watched and liked the Norman's Rare Guitars documentary on Netflix, this place and its accompanying stories will be right up your alley. Proceeds benefit a non-profit organization run by people who are passionate about keeping music history alive for younger generations to learn from and enjoy. There is too much to digest in one visit, so...

A wonderful surprise at a little but beautifully curated museum lovingly devoted to music. Imagine my grand daughter's surprise to learn of early musical machines and music boxes big and small artfully created for generations that appreciated elegant workmanship. Many fully functioning. Then a rooms of tribute to the many Virginia musicians and performing artists such as Pearl Bailey, Patsy Kline, the Carter Family, Wayne Newton...We were enthrolled...oh, re: Mr. Newton. He donated one of his elaborate Las Vegas show get-ups to the museum. And, one of his custom automobiles graces the special showroom where his memorabilia is on display. I could just see myself behind the wheel, long silk scarf catching the wind. Alas, this beautiful auto is "do not touch" as befits so elegant a creation. I will personally slap your hands if you try.

You are really missing something if you do not go! Trust me. PS My favorite display...a giraffe grand piano...you must see it to believe it. People who know me...

This place was amazing!! My family and I decided to go here and I have to admit we were a little sceptical at first. The building doesn't look that big and the owner also has a large piano store in front of the museum. We paid for the tickets and were told we were in luck because the owner was at the location and would probably be around to talk to us. We had just started looking around and the owner came in and introduced himself. He was a very nice person. You could tell he took a lot of pride in his pieces and was very happy and enthusiastic to explain some history behind them and the best part he liked to play them for you! We loved hearing the Nickelodeons play and the giant music boxes. There were so many interesting pieces that I had never seen or heard before. The self playing organ on the second floor was fantastic! If you're at all interested in music do not pass...