You’ve probably driven past it many times, wondering what it was or when it would be open.
Canada Day marked the first day the National Music Centre officially opened its doors to the public.
There were long lineups to get into the centre, starting early in the morning. Almost 6000 members of the public got their first look inside.
The facility is being championed as a cultural institution for Canada. The $191 million facility transformed the old King Edward Hotel into a landmark and a national treasure with three recording studios, including the Rolling Stones Mobile Recording Studio.
It was a learning experience for young music fans. Many were becoming familiar with “lots of old musicians – who I have no idea who they are,” Aaron Lang,who visited the centre for the first time, said.
Local organist Willy Joosen quickly made himself at home, playing one of the organs inside to entertain the public.
“Wow, it fits like a glove. I haven’t got acquainted with it though. It really takes a lot of brain power,” Joosen said.
For the veteran music lovers, meanwhile, the centre is like a walk down memory lane.
“I grew up with Anne Murray, that type of country music,” Nicole Flachette said.
Brian Bojeck has been patiently waiting for the new centre to open. He spent a lot of time listening to musicians at the original King Eddy Hotel. It was emotional for him to look at the walls and see the artists he grew up with.
“Neil young, I followed him,” Bojeck said. “I just saw them and had a tear in my eye to tell you the truth.”
Calgary musician Dave Jones has played with his band around the city for 16 years. He says Calgary is lucky to have the history of music so close to home.
There’s five different levels and exhibitions in the centre, with different themes like making music and the best of Canada.
While fans and Canadian music legends flock to the centre, the facility is also giving new life to old venues. For the first time in ten years, music will come out of the King Edward Hotel starting during Stampede.
If the artists and music aren’t enough of a draw, the scale of the building itself may stop you in your tracks.
Located in Studio Bell, the centre will house a collection of over 2,000 artifacts, instruments and music technology. It includes a 300-seat performance hall, multiple reception areas, broadcast facilities, classrooms and retail space.
The Bell Lives Series runs from July 8-17. King Eddy will be turned into a pop-up country bar during that time.
Officials said the centre will preserve and celebrate Canada’s music, and inspire a new generation of music lovers.
Comments