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.
Your review of the Grammy Museum brought me back to when I was a child, and my parents took my sister and I to a different museum every weekend. I feel like in this day and age, children are not exposed to different types of culture because they are so absorbed in the world of television/computer technology. Looking at things on the internet is just not the same as going to a museum and actually seeing things for yourself. Your description of the Grammy Museum made me excited that there is a museum that combines the qualities of a museum with newer technology, making it more appealing to children.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read your blog post because I really want to visit the Grammy Museum in Downtown LA, but I still have not had the chance. The looks of it on the outside seem deceiving because it does not seem like it is that large or encompasses so much knowledge. I think that is really cool that it was more interactive and you could actually touch the objects and play with the instruments. Most museums are so one- dimensional since you can only visualize what is on display with the “no touch” policy. I really like how this museum gives you factual information but also allows you to put the knowledge into practice by this interactive approach. Now, I am excited to visit the museum!
ReplyDeleteFor the past few months, I’ve been telling myself to head over to the Grammy Museum, and after reading your blog post, I will certainly make a point to visit before December! After all, it’s $10 until the end of this year and only a tram ride away! This would be a great field trip for the residents in my building (we’re at Parkside Arts & Humanities), especially for those residing on the Arts & Architecture Floor (woot!) and Music Floor. It’s exciting to read about the fun, interactive portion of the Grammy Museum, because I also feel that most museums and galleries aren’t quite as welcoming. I find that the educational, hands-on “games” at places like the California Science Center are always WINNERS with the kids and with me. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteGoing to the Grammy Museum is now officially on my list of things to do around Los Angeles. I have walked past the doors to the museum every time I have been at LA Live getting New Zealand Natural yogurt or eating lunch at the Farm restaurant, but I have never ventured inside. It sounds like it’s definitely worth a trip. I really like the way that you described the museum as a “hands-on” experience, and it makes me think back to when I used to go to various museums such as the Museum of Science and Discovery as a child. It was so exciting getting to touch the sting rays and sea urchins, it sounds like this museum is the adult equivalent… except cool sea creatures have been replaced by iconic music paraphernalia such as guitars and costumes. I’m particularly interested to see what sort of displays they have for Michael Jackson in honor of his passing. I know that with the film This is It out in theatres chronicling his final days, there must be quite a few items related to his life and legacy that draw a lot of attention within the museum.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the details of your review of the Grammy Museum. I've been hearing from a lot of people that it's worth checking out (especially since it's soooo close!), but I hadn't really heard anything specific about what it had in it. At first I didn't really have that much interest in checking it out, but the whole interactive experience you described makes me want to go! I definitely just expected to find albums, clothing, and autographed pictures of famous performers there, but the idea of actually teaching something about music is really unexpected. Maybe it's the kid in me, but I feel a lot more of a pull toward going there now that I know I'll get to "play" around :)
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