Coventry Music Museum

The basics

Permanent exhibitions at the museum include a kid-friendly music studio where visitors can compose their own tunes, displays of concert posters, instruments, and memorabilia, and even a recreation of a typical "rude boy's" bedroom. There's also an exhibit dedicated to Delia Derbyshire, the composer of the Doctor Who theme; Derbyshire is celebrated in music circles for her early contributions to what would later be known as electronic music.

Things to know before you go

• The Coventry Music Museum is a must-see for fans of ska or electronic music.

• The museum is accessible and has a stair-climber, but it’s best to give the museum 24-hour advance notice, if possible, if you need assistance.

• Discounted admission is available for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. Children under age 15 visit free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

How to get there

The Coventry Music Museum is located in the 2-Tone Village, in the Ball Hill area of Coventry. From the city center, most people come by car or bus. It’s a 10-minute bus ride from the Coventry Railway Station, and bus numbers 9, 9A, X30, and 585 all stop right by the museum.

When to get there

The museum is open Thursday–Sunday, except on select holidays. Visit early on a Thursday or Friday morning to avoid crowds. Note that the last entry of the day is 30 minutes before the museum's closing time. It’s best to check the Coventry Museum website for up-to-date details.

Coventry’s 2-Tone Village

You’ll find the Coventry Music Museum in the 2-Tone Village, a cultural space that centers on the museum. Other key highlights of the village include two restaurants serving English and Caribbean fare, a bar with regular music events, and a few shops selling records, CDs, and music- and sports-related memorabilia.