The National Museum from Musical Clock to Street Organ houses a wonderful collection of dancehall organs, carillon clocks, musical boxes, pianolas, and belly organs. Visitors learn about the evolution of mechanized musical instruments, as well as the importance of these in the Netherlands. These unusual instruments are demonstrated during tours of the museum: the knowledgeable guide on my tour gave information in both Dutch and English.
In the 14th century, the first programmed musical instruments – tower carillons – were heard in the Netherlands. Another popular type of mechanized instrument was the dancehall organ, popular in the south of the Netherlands and also Belgium. These were used primarily between the first and second World Wars. Some of these instruments were played by turning a large wheel by hand. This necessitated having more than one "player", as turning the wheel for a long evening of dancing would get very tiring. During the tour we were given the chance to try turning the wheel ourselves; I can’t imagine doing it for hours in a dancehall!
The museum is located in a 15th century church, which has been returned to its former beauty. Prior to 1586 when Choorstraat (meaning "Choir Street") was created, the main traffic in this section of the city was actually routed through the church. This accounts for the posted notice advising that during services leading cattle, horses and pigs through the building is not permitted. For a memorable venue, the museum can be rented for parties and other special events. It is also possible to rent some of the organs for indoor parties: music and instruction books are included.
There is a rack for coats inside the main entrance, as well as a very nice gift shop where postcards, toys, cards, books and other items are for sale. There is also a small cafe where light refreshments can be purchased, or where visitors can sit and wait for the next tour. Literature on the museum and on its exhibits is available in several languages. Trains to Utrecht from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station leave every 10-15 minutes and the journey takes about ½ hour; the roundtrip fare is less than $10 Euro.
When you arrive in Utrecht, wind your way through the extensive collection of shops in the station and head out the main entrance. You should see signposts pointing in the direction of the museum; if not, just stop and ask: the museum is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM: it is closed Mondays, January 1, December 25, and Queen’s Day (late April). Admission is $6.00 Euros for adults.
For further information, (0)phone 30 231 2789, email the museum at: post@museumspeelklok.nl, or check out their website at www.museumspeelklok.nl.