We just visited the FREE Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, and I have to share about it!Okay, picture this: your kids are happily banging out rhythms on a big gamelan (don’t worry, they’re supposed to), twirling around under a giant tornado of instruments hanging from the ceiling, and then, somehow, you’re all looking at letters written by Mozart himself. Cool, right?And get this—...
We just visited the FREE Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota, and I have to share about it!
Okay, picture this: your kids are happily banging out rhythms on a big gamelan (don’t worry, they’re supposed to), twirling around under a giant tornado of instruments hanging from the ceiling, and then, somehow, you’re all looking at letters written by Mozart himself. Cool, right?
And get this—it’s all totally FREE.
The Schubert Club Music Museum in St. Paul is such a hidden gem. It’s located on the second floor of the Landmark Center, and is hands-on, super family-friendly, and the perfect mix of play and learning. You don’t have to be a music nerd to enjoy it either. There’s something for everyone—toddlers can make noise (the good kind), older kids can geek out over old-school pianos and player organs, and even us grown-ups will find plenty to love. It’s small enough that you’re not exhausted after, but packed with enough fun to keep little ones engaged.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you found a secret Twin Cities freebie.
What Awaits You Inside
1. Music Makers Zone
The moment you enter, you’re greeted by an impressive “instrument tornado” — a towering swirl of percussion, drums, strings, and wind instruments from around the world. Note: You’re not allowed to touch it (so watch your little ones), but there’s an interactive screen nearby where you can learn about each instrument and “play” it.
There are also keyboards, organs, and percussion instruments from all around the world to bang on!
2. Keyboard Journey
In a neighboring gallery, dive into the evolution of keyboard instruments, from 16th-century spinets and harpsichords to vintage electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ. It’s ideal for budding musicians or history buffs as there’s a lot of information and a volunteers who have an abundance of helpful information.
3. Letters Alive & Composer Manuscripts
A serene, reflective space showcases the Gilman Ordway Manuscript Collection — personal letters from composers like Mozart, Verdi, and Clara Schumann, brought to life with multimedia presentations. Adults and older kids will enjoy this interesting glimpse into music history.
4. Thelma Hunter Recital Room
Relax in a cozy listening room and enjoy recordings and music-player demos.
(Excited to preview some of these collections? See their website here.)
The Schubert Club Music Museum is one of those rare spots that’s fun, hands-on, and perfect for the whole family.
Location:
302 Landmark Center 75 W 5th Street Saint Paul, MN 55102
Parking
Note that parking options aren’t free. You can park cheap on the street at a meter, or a ramp nearby – the Lawson Ramp is not cheap. It’s located not far from the Minnesota Children’s Museum so you could park at their World Trade Center ramp and visit both locations in one trip.
Hours:
Wednesday 12-4pm Thursday 12pm-4pm Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday 10am-2pm Sunday 12pm-4pm
For full details, check the Museum Info and Plan Your Visit pages on the Schubert Club website. Whether you’re local or just passing through St. Paul, this free, interactive gem is a must-visit for families.