I recently visited the Grammy museum in Downtown Los Angeles at LA Live. Walking into the museum was a rush. The entrance is through an elevator that opens its doors to a virtual picture show and blasting mix of music with everything from Michael Jackson to Kelly Clarkson to Katy Perry. After passing through this hallway you enter the museum. It was quiet as people sat watching a large screen of Michael Jackson dancing at Motown. One could also walk around and enjoy observing the costumes, records, and pictures of the top performers of music. But the most intriguing part of the museum was the ability for a “hands-on” experience. There were guitars, drums, pianos, and even microphones that museum viewers could touch and play. The experience of this museum is not only educational, but also engaging as viewers could put themselves into the shoes of the performers.
This new type of “interactive” museum is good for bringing the kids. The newest generations of kids are being raised on cell phones and video games; by bringing them to an interactive museum they are able to use their hands with instruments and technology while educating themselves as well. I even grew bored looking at records and found myself most interested in learning when I had a microphone and bass in my hands. This was not just any museum though. Four floors high, it was like a maze of excitement walking through it. Still in its building stage, the layout and current repertoire of artist’s costumes was exceptional. The wall of four of Michael Jackson’s most famous outfits was breathtaking to look at. The museum catered much to Jackson since his recent passing, a nice touch since it seemed many visiting were looking for a place to recognize him. It did not overwhelm with dedication to him though, but rather created a nice balance as one could also observe other legends such as Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Sony and Cher, Madonna, The Beetles, etc.
Downtown LA Live’s Grammy museum is new and could use more paraphernalia to impress, but overall was stunning and engaging. This museum got rid of that stuffy, “don’t touch” atmosphere that many museums have. I look forward to returning again when I get the need to learn more about pop-culture or just to put a guitar in my hands and learn an Eagles song.
