Museum Speelklok (Musical Clock Museum), Utrecht (must see)

Housed in the medieval Neighborhood Church (Buurkerk) in the heart of Utrecht, the Musical Clock Museum (Museum Speelklok) is a fascinating showcase of self-playing musical instruments. Previously known as Museum from Music Box to Pierement, it has been delighting visitors since 1984, offering a symphony of mechanical wonders ranging from music boxes and musical clocks to pianolas, barrel organs, and even a turret clock with a carillon—the original self-playing instrument.

The museum traces its roots back to a 1956 exhibition in Utrecht, which proved so popular that it led to the establishment of a permanent national museum dedicated to mechanical musical instruments. Over the years, Musical Clock Museum has gained both national and international recognition, with its restoration workshops setting the gold standard in the field.

Among its highlights is the Royal Room, where visitors can admire gold-gilded, self-playing musical instruments once owned by monarchs, including the Clay Clock (1738), which plays compositions by G.F. Handel. The museum also prides itself on keeping its instruments in working order, so visitors can experience their unique sounds in action.
A family-friendly destination, the museum offers interactive experiences for all ages. Kids can embark on a treasure hunt led by Toon the organ monkey, while adults might be captivated by the Violina, an automated violin-playing instrument.

The museum has also made its mark in contemporary music culture. In 2016, Swedish musician Martin Molin (of Wintergatan) visited and drew inspiration from its collection to build his Marble Machine, an intricate music-making device using metal marbles. The retired Marble Machine even became a temporary exhibit in 2017, followed by a YouTube series, Music Machine Mondays, featuring instruments from the museum.

With its unique combination of history, music, and mechanics, the Musical Clock Museum remains a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the magic of self-playing music.