The Phono Museum Paris celebrates 140 years of recorded sound, showcasing an impressive collection of nearly 300 functional machines that trace the evolution of sound technology.
From the earliest cylinder and disk phonographs to modern-day MP3 files, this museum offers visitors an in-depth look at how audio recording has transformed over the decades.
The Phono Museum is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and tech aficionados, all set within a space rich in nostalgia and innovation.
Discover the Legacy of Sound Recording
The Phono Museum transports visitors back to the birth of recorded sound, beginning with the phonograph—the first mass-produced item to bring music into homes worldwide.
Visitors can witness the journey from these early devices to more advanced reel-to-reel recorders, cassette tapes, CDs, and digital audio formats. Each machine on display is operational, offering an immersive, hands-on experience of each era’s audio quality and technological capabilities.
A Rich Archive of Posters and Photographs
Adding to the experience are posters and photographs from various musical eras, featuring icons from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties, such as Mistinguett and Joséphine Baker.
These images and artifacts illustrate the vibrant history of Montmartre, connecting the development of recorded sound with the musical spirit of the district’s famous venues like the Moulin Rouge and Élysée Montmartre.
Listen to History with Every Visit
Unique to the Phono Museum, a guided audio experience is available, allowing visitors to listen to vintage recordings played on original devices. Museum volunteers offer detailed explanations of each machine’s technical features and historical importance, enriching the visitor experience.
From classic gramophones to tape decks, the live demonstrations reveal the nuances of each recording format, captivating audiences with the authentic sounds of the past.
Unparalleled Archive Access
A developing archive at the museum will soon provide access to a collection of over 50,000 digitized recordings from around the world, including early 78 RPM records and cylinder recordings.
This digital archive, partially accessible through Phonobase, will offer a deep dive into global music history, with nearly 10,000 recordings already available.