Collections Online Database

Gearheads and music aficionados can browse the online collections database of the National Music Centre (NMC) at the click of a mouse. Featuring 50 newly added artifacts and another 250 previously uploaded collection pieces, the online resource connects music lovers from around the world to NMC’s extensive and rare collection of musical instruments and memorabilia.

NMC stewards one of the most impressive music collections in the world, including over 2,000 historic musical instruments, artifacts, and Canadian music memorabilia, which collectively spans over 450 years of music history, technology and innovation.

Visitors can peruse a selection of iconic instruments, including the guitar behind Doug Edwards’ haunting solo in the Canadian mega-hit “Wildflower,” electronic and acoustic gems, music memorabilia, and fascinating one-offs such as the aXiÆ, an unusual-looking MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) controller that was built by Brad Cariou as part of his thesis at University of Calgary in 1993.

The resource is intended to inspire collaboration with music and museum communities and raise awareness of the need to preserve musical artifacts and our Canadian music heritage.

NMC Collections Online is accessible via any web-enabled device here.