The museum is home to the actual car used in The Specials' 'Ghost Town' music video.
It maintains a focus on the 'Coventry Sound,' a unique blend of ska and punk that emerged in the late 1970s.
The venue is operated entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers rather than city council staff.
The museum features a 'Wall of Hits' showcasing Coventry-born or Coventry-based artists who reached the UK top 40.
The site hosts occasional intimate live performances, known as 'Sounding Off' sessions, featuring local musicians and producers.
The Coventry Music Museum is a volunteer-run institution dedicated to the city's rich musical history, with a specific focus on the 2-Tone record label movement. It houses an extensive collection of memorabilia, instruments, and audio-visual displays documenting local artists from the 1960s to the present day. Notable exhibits include original stage costumes and rare vinyl pressings from bands like The Specials and The Selecter. The museum occupies a converted building on Walsgrave Road and functions as a community hub for music researchers and enthusiasts. Visitors can interact with several displays, including a mock-up of a 1970s record shop. The museum has received numerous local awards for its contribution to Coventry's cultural heritage.
Beside the iconic 'Ghost Town' car display.
Check the museum's official website for scheduled 'Sounding Off' interview sessions before visiting.
Engage with the volunteers, as many have personal connections to the local music scene and provide deep context for the exhibits.
Look for the smaller, quirkier exhibits tucked away in corners, as they often contain the most obscure local history.
Do not treat the exhibits as purely static; you are encouraged to ask the volunteers about the stories behind specific artifacts.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
