The Coventry Music Museum

The Coventry Music Museum

The Coventry Music Museum
5
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Our multi award winning museum celebrates music from Coventry and Warwickshire in all its forms. Not just 2-Tone. From Delia Derbyshire to King, from The Specials to The Enemy, Hazel O'Connor, The Primitives and even the famous John Lennon Yoko Ono visit to Coventry are all exhibited here. It's here you can sit in the actual Ghost Town Car. We are open Thursday to Saturday 10 to 4.00 (last entry ar 3.30) and on Sundays from 10 to 3.00 (last entry at 2.30).
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area
Address
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Tania B
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a Visit
    Great music museum with plenty of exhibits. The staff were very friendly. A real step back in time. We visited to check out the two tone music. The set up also has photo booths for great photo opportunities.
    Many thanks.
    Written 8 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Kim T
    Bath, United Kingdom25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fab Museum with lots of music memorabilia
    Came up from Bath with friends for my husband’s 60th Birthday. Lovely little Museum filled with memorabilia. The volunteers that work here are fab - make you feel very welcome and are so knowledgeable. If you love music (and are a Two-Tone fan), pay this place a visit. Thank you Ruth x
    Thanks so much for your amazing words.
    Written 1 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 October 2023
  • Nicholas S
    Leeds, United Kingdom19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must for music lovers.
    Travelled to Coventry with friends just for the Museum. Well worth it. The place is full of memorabilia much of which relates to Ska but also other musicical contributions from the area over the years. Plenty of great exhibits including the Cresta (well, front end!) from the Ghost Town video. The staff (volunteers!) are very approachable and knowledgeable which adds considerably to the experience. Gift shops were good value too which makes a change. A must for music lovers.
    Many thanks.
    Written 3 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 November 2023
  • dave d
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Two tone
    10 years old and I have wanting to visit since the day it opened. What a fantastic place for anyone who loves music. It celebrates everything that is coventry but especially two tone, from the moment we arrived until we left we had the pleasure of spending time with the wonderful volunteers that guide you through all the displays, explaining and informing, some I knew and some I didn't. The place is fantastic, well worth a visit. Pete Chambers and all the volunteers are legends, so friendly and informative. We even had cake. Happy birthday, we will be back. Take time to do the trial, it's not short but there is lots more to do on the route than just the two tone parts. Coventry is a beautiful city with lots of history.
    We love this, what amazing words, thanks so much and see you again real soon...Pete
    Written 6 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 November 2023
  • Nick P
    London, United Kingdom4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The first place you should visit in Coventry
    This is more than a museum, it is a passion project. Pete Chambers and his loyal volunteers provide a curated view of the music that has come out of Coventry and it is so personally inspired you can't help but get caught up in it. If you have any recollections of the periods represented in the musuem you are in for a treat and some great conversation. As they say, the museum isn't just about Ska, and it reminds you that a lot more came out of Coventry. It also serves as a social record with some great exhibits including original insutruments, fashion and clippings. This was my second time visiting and the collections were looking even better than last time. Forget the cathedral or Lady Godiva, if you have to see one thing in Coventry visit the Coventry Music Museum! Thank you Pete and Julie!
    wow! Thanks so much for an amazing review, it's wonderful. Pete
    Written 6 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 November 2023
  • Emma M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A joyful passion project made into a brilliant success
    The amount of joy packed into this small venue is probably against the laws of physics. Thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who made and sustain this place and all the offers of 10th birthday celebration cake on Saturday 4th November 2023. We had a really lovely time and would love to buy a Periodic Table of The Specials ;-)
    Great words, glad you were there for our 10th, great weekend.
    Written 12 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 November 2023
  • Meg B
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant day out
    Brilliant day out ! So much to see and really interesting, I loved going back to my teenage days brings back some great memories. The staff are so nice and helpful and the food in the 2 tone cafe is all freshly cooked and the prices are really good, I must say the best but is the car from the ghost town video ,never 5hought I'd get to sit in that !
    Thanks so much for these great words, love that car.
    Written 12 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 November 2023
  • Neil576
    Market Drayton, United Kingdom362 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A tribute to the influence Coventry music- magical
    This place is an absolute gem and an absolute must for all music lovers. The staff and volunteers are absolute stars their enthusiasm brings everything to life. There are so many exhibits that are hugely important for the city of Coventry ,that has played such an important part in the UK music scene. As I say it is simply wonderful place but the people made it unbelievable with so many tales bringing everything to life.All for just £5.00 entry. Thanks to everyone for making our visit so wonderful. You are all stars.
    Thanks so much for coming along and writing this 'magical' review.
    Written 22 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 November 2023
  • H J
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fab find for music lovers.
    What a gem! Fantastic collection of memorabilia and exhibits of coventry's finest. Lots of 2 Tone stuff but plenty of other artists too. Loved the interactive Primitives displays and the Ghost Town car. The volunteers there were friendly, happy to answer questions and share their knowledge. We really enjoyed our visit. Didn't have enough time to visit the cafe or the shops though so we'll be going again.
    Many thanks, be great to see you again.
    Written 22 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 19 November 2023
  • TrevorMalgrat
    Malgrat de Mar, Spain21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A gem of a place
    A gem of a place. Absolutely packed full of memorabilia from the Coventry music scene over the years. The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable. Only a small museum, but enough for a couple of hours browsing. I will definitely visit again.
    Many thanks, see you again.. Pete
    Written 24 November 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,444 reviews
Excellent
1,347
Very good
82
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
3

W Scott
Marlborough, UK3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
What a find! If any of the following apply to you, you must visit this museum: Music fan, musician, Coventrian, historian, grew up in 70's or 80's, ska fan, two tone fan, or just simply interested in things!
Very good value, very enthusiastic helpers, full of stuff to look at, loads to read and play with. I am definitely going back again. There is also a good memorabilia shop.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks...
Written 27 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

edwardrobson
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
We visited as fans of Two Tone but there is a lot more to see - the venue is small but there is a load of interesting stuff packed in (loved the 'teenager's bedroom')! Got a chance to feel 15 again by sitting in the 'Ghost Town' car. Would recommend that you also take time to visit the whole Two Tone village - it's about a 30 minute walk from the city centre and well worth the effort. Price is minimal (cash only) and staff are really knowledgeable and friendly.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, an amazing review, thanks so much, love the "15 again" comment.
Written 14 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Simon D
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
The basic principle of British Ska in the 70’s was black and white uniting in music and realising there was very little difference between them. In fact there was an enormous amount they had in common with the way Britain and in particular Coventry was back then, so forward to today where the proximity of the museum and village is a melting pot of diversity you realise that some of that message got through however it’s not all about Ska. A fantastic trip down the music history of Coventry and surrounding area right up to present day is both fun and dare I use the word educational. With brilliant knowledgable staff it is a trip to remember and at only £3 per visitor it is unbelievable value and I’ll say it again a fun place surrounded by shops and the most unbelievably tasty cafe/restaurant serving British and Caribbean food.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow!! What a great review, love this.. thanks so very much..
Written 20 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

julie W
Derbyshire, UK102 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Small but packed full of interest everywhere you look. Full of two tone remeniscence and music to sing along to. You can even get your photo taken by Ruth. The volunteers are really helpful and chat with knowledge and genuine interest. Everything is socially distanced and mask wearing.
Only £3 to go in and a bigger experience than some other venues you would pay much more to go into.
Well worth a visit..
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for this, Ruth will love it. see you again soon.. Pete and the team
Written 20 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PaulDerby812
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Really enjoyed our day and evening at this museum.

Visited as brother and I are big two-tone fans but even if this is not your thing it is still worth a visit as a general music fan.

All the staff very friendly, especially Ruth who basically gave us a guided tour of the museum and exhibits.

Have just about forgiven her for ‘chaining me to the cooker making current buns for tea’ and then realising they didn’t know where the handcuff keys were!

As I say the main reason for our visit was the two-tone connection and the highlight exhibit is the original car front from the ‘Ghost Town’ video.

Two great little shops and a very reasonable cafe are part of the complex but try and go when they have a band on in the evening as this really did finish off our trip nicely.

Many thanks for our excellent visit and we will return.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so very much for coming, and for the great words...
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sellest
Bushey, UK4,905 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Visited here at the weekend with my partner and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. There is so much is crammed into this small museum that you can easily spend a couple of hours here. Lots of excellent memorabilia brought back so many memories and, of course, the chance to sit in the Ghost Town car was the icing on the cake. But what makes this so special is the enthusiasm of all the staff, who are just so friendly, chatty and knowledgeable (special mention here to Ruth!). Definitely worth a visit (especially if you are a fan of two tone) and at only £4 entrance it's great value for money. Do check opening times though - as it is not open every day.
Written 14 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for these great words, Ruth will be so chuffed to be mentioned..
Written 15 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ashley W
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Friends
If you are looking for something to do in Coventry, then look no further. This museum is dedicated to the history of 2tone music. Entrance to the museum is £4 per person, this helps run the museum as it is purely run by volunteers. The 2tone cafe is brilliant too. Would definitely recommend going when you have the chance. They have different, exhibitions every so often. This time is Ghost Town to Host Town as Coventry is named City of Culture. The 2tone memorabilia is run by a great guy called Suky who has a great selection of records and other stuff.

Definitely go if you get the chance.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for this fantastic review, so glad you liked your visit.
Written 17 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

NikMck
Coventry, UK69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • Couples
A visit to the Coventry Music Museum is an absolute must for anyone living in or visiting Coventry. We had such a fun time whilst learning more about the Coventry music scene.

Our first port of call was the music room downstairs. There are actual real live life guitars with amps, a synth and drum machine. And there’s even a theremin (making music with a wave of a hand). You are actively encouraged to pick the instruments up and have a go. I now want to buy myself a synth and ditch my old piano!!!

Upstairs is jam packed with memorabilia and fascinating history that will take you back to fond times (if you are of a certain age). There are loads of fun, interactive features to explore. The piece de resistance has to be the actual ghost town car, which you can actually sit in. Yes the actual 4218 RO.

You can also do a spot of Specials karaoke if you fancy. We just had to have a go on everything and completely lost track of time!

It’s fantastic value for money at just £4 per adult with concessions also available.

The museum is located a little out of town. It’s easy access on a number of bus routes It’s set in an interesting little arcade you should definitely have a mooch around. You can buy yourself some ska memorabilia and some iconic clothing and accessories. And definitely make time to stop at the 2-Tone cafe for a bite to eat. It all makes a great, fun visit and I can’t wait for an excuse to go back and take friends there!
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thanks so much, this review is amazing and so well written. See you again soon.
Written 17 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Josi101
West Sussex, UK318 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
I was lucky enough to buy a few signed 'King' items from museum founder Pete 3 years ago for a friends' 50th birthday. I planned to go visit at a later date, but with life getting in the way, then lockdowns, I never got round to it.

Finally this week me and my husband had a free day, so decided to visit the museum.

Its really easy to fine - google maps got us there, and its well signed from the road.

There are so many interesting exhibits and items to see, and its only £4 each for entry, and run by the friendliest volunteers who clearly are passionate about music.
Written 13 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for these amazing words, glad we were easy to find. Best Wishes Pete & team
Written 13 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Carmen F
48 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Couples
Fantastic museum worth every penny of £5 , staff very friendly & full of music knowledge, Great to see the car out of The Specials " Ghost Town " Video,
Plus the Electronic Keyboard that was used for the song.
Even better you get to sit in it & get a photo taken,
Cafe is great a Breakfast starts at £4 upto £6.50, Latte £2, they also do sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc.
There's a wall in the cage that's got alot of signatures from Pauline Black, Suggs, Nev Staple etc
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, great words, thanks so much...Pete
Written 6 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 1,433
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

THE COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

All Coventry HotelsCoventry Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Coventry
All things to do in Coventry
Casinos & Gambling in Coventry
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire