FEATURE:
Not Your Average Day Out…
IN THIS PHOTO: Stevie Wonder
Why the World Needs an International Museum of Music
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ONE of the problems with suggesting something…
PHOTO CREDIT: The Natural History Museum, London
as unwieldly as an International Museum of Music is, as you can imagine, that the world of music cannot be easily contained and explained in a single building. We have the superb National History Museum in London; one can also visit our Science Museum, and these facilities are invaluable in terms of education and delight – in fact, I have been meaning to return to the Natural History Museum for years now! They are great places to take the family because, not only is there the mix of interactive sections and displays; one can also enjoy time leisurely walking around in a calm and interesting environment. The fact one can also visit for free is another big bonus! One hopes these great institutions remains for decades and centuries more, as they benefit so many people. Whilst we house natural history and science in full wonder in splendid locations, what of music? There is an argument that one can stream and play music, whereas it is hard to get a tangible sense of natural history and science online. That is fair enough, yet there is the educational and tangible side to music that is either impossible to get online or very difficult. We have smaller music museums in this country; there is the British Music Experience in Liverpool, and there is the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the U.S. If you want a fix of music goodness, there are choices out there. The Internet is a valuable resource, but there is so much information out there and so MUCH music, one can miss out on a lot, and it can be tricky to hear and see it all!
PHOTO CREDIT: @mparzuchowski/Unsplash
If one does bring about an international museum for music, why not one for film too? That is another valid point, but I think music holds greater power and has made a bigger impact on the world than film. Music joins us all, and it is an international language. I have been wondering why there is not a museum as impressive and big as London’s National History Museum in the world as, surely, it would be a hit – apologies if there is an international music museum or something of that stature in the world (I have done a Google search and nothing comes up!). America is pretty well covered when it comes to smaller musicians that cover specific areas of music – including the National Museum of African American Music. Years ago, I wrote features mooting the possibility of a music café that mixed elements of a museum – interactive features and exhibits – with a traditional café. Maybe that concept is a slightly flawed design, but I think a museum could work really well. Of course, as I said at the top, one could not include every aspect of musical history in a building. That said, look at the size of bigger museums in London, and there is a lot you can pack in! In terms of what would be included, there would be different sections that focus on different areas and times - from Motown and Grunge across to Britpop and back to the Pop of the 1960s (The Beatles themselves deserve an entire wing!).
IN THIS PHOTO: Madonna in 1983
I think one gets complacent on the Internet, and we often do not have time to listen to a lot of music; if we do, it is either our reliable favourites or brand-new music. A museum of this size would not be only about older artists: indeed, new technology and music would be part of it. From exhibits about changing technology and devise – the Sony Walkman and iPod, for instance -, to big musical events, documentaries, and festivals, I think a lot of people would go. At the moment, we have some great music museums in the world that have incredible features such as instruments, classic costumes and albums. Even in America, I do not think there is anything as comprehensive as a National History-style museum. Just think about Hip-Hop itself and how much history there is there – whilst there is a Hip Hop museum in America, incorporating aspects of it into a one-stop museum would open fresh eyes to a genre and scene they might not be familiar with. There have been some iconic gig performances, music videos and music documentaries through the years and, rather than sift through YouTube or wait for them to appear on T.V., having access to them in a special space – either a cinema-type section or interactive displays – would be much more convenient. This weekend, I am writing a feature regarding new music discovery and whether a return to MTV’s classic dynamic – lose the reality T.V. shows and stick with videos and interviews – would help at a time when we are flooded with new music. The legacy and importance of MTV could also feature (in a museum).
IN THIS PHOTO: The Beatles in 1965/PHOTO CREDIT: PRNewsFoto/Apple Corps Ltd./EMI Music/AP Images
In terms of what, logistically, the museum would look like, I think it would be a three-floor space where there is a similar feel to somewhere like the Science Museum. Ranging from displays of music memorabilia and screens showing videos and documentaries, there would be bespoke areas that allow visitors to immerse themselves in a way that you cannot on the Internet. I think the Internet is so vast, and we can get overwhelmed by all the music and information out there. Having a single space where one could browse and digest information in a more ‘leisurely’ way seems like a good idea – I think there is a definite market and desire. As to where it would be based, logically it would have to be in the U.S. or U.K. – either in a city like New York/Los Angeles or London, Manchester or another big city (Glasgow and Liverpool are possibilities). As we move forward and become advanced, oddly, I think we are losing a bit of what made music special; at the very least, it is challenging taking in all the music, options and various websites around. Having a museum where one could learn, interact and have that physical side would, I feel, resonate and connect with so many people. It is in the concept stage, and I realise it would take – if it were to happen – years of planning and financing to bring it to life. I am always fascinated by music, but I find myself yearning for something more communal and interactive; a place I can go that would open my eyes and imagination in a way that has not happened for years. If an International Museum of Music were to see the light of day, I think it could stand…
PHOTO CREDIT: @milltownphotography/Unsplash
ALONGSIDE the best museums in the world.