Berlin Gramophone Company testing machines in Montreal 1910 black and white photo

Musée Des Ondes Emile Berliner

Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner Montreal: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: A Montreal Landmark for Sound History

The Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner (MOEB), located in Montreal’s historic Saint-Henri district, is a cornerstone institution dedicated to the memory and impact of Emile Berliner—the brilliant mind behind the gramophone and flat-disc record. Since its founding in 1992, MOEB has preserved and interpreted the remarkable trajectory of sound recording and broadcasting technology in Montreal, illuminating the city’s pivotal role in shaping global audio innovation. Housed within the iconic RCA Victor factory complex, the museum’s collection of over 30,000 artifacts spans from early gramophones to modern telecommunications devices, offering visitors an immersive journey into the evolution of recorded sound, the music industry, and the people who made it all possible (WestmountMag; MOEB Collection; Broadcasting History).

Portrait of Emile Berliner, inventor known for the gramophone

Emile Berliner working on gramophone disc in laboratory

Edison concert phonograph vintage lithograph poster

Historic Rue Lenoir street view in 1912 featuring the RCA building

Introduction & Overview
Emile Berliner and Montreal’s Audio Revolution
The RCA Victor Factory: Industrial Heritage
From Decline to Preservation
Museum Foundation & Mission
Highlights from the Collections & Exhibitions
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Educational Programs & Community Outreach
Planning Your Visit: Tips & Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & How to Connect

Emile Berliner and the Birth of Recorded Sound in Montreal

Emile Berliner, a German-born inventor, fundamentally changed the world of sound with his creation of the gramophone and flat disc record in the late 19th century. Recognizing Montreal as a strategic site for industry and culture, he established the E. Berliner Gramophone Company in 1900 at 367-368 Aqueduct Street (today’s Lucien L’Allier Street). The company’s logo—Nipper the dog listening to “His Master’s Voice”—became a defining trademark in music history, quickly recognized across North America (WestmountMag). By its first year, the Montreal factory was producing 2,000 records; by 1901, it had sold over 2 million, cementing its place as an industrial powerhouse.

The RCA Victor Factory: Montreal’s Industrial Heritage

The E. Berliner Gramophone Company’s success led to the opening of a major factory on Lacasse Street in 1908, later known as RCA Victor. This site became the heart of Montreal’s sound industry for decades, employing up to 3,500 workers at its height in the 1940s. The factory manufactured records, radios, televisions, and more, profoundly influencing both the local economy and the daily lives of Saint-Henri’s residents (Broadcasting History).

From Decline to Preservation

By the 1970s, shifts in the global economy led to the decline of large-scale manufacturing in Montreal. As RCA Victor moved operations elsewhere, community historians, former employees, and audiophiles joined forces to collect, document, and preserve the factory’s artifacts and stories, laying the groundwork for what would become MOEB.

Founding and Mission of the Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner

Founded in 1992 as a private, non-profit institution, MOEB’s mission is to collect, conserve, and interpret artifacts and stories that highlight the scientific, technical, social, and economic significance of audio and broadcasting technology in Quebec, Canada, and worldwide (WestmountMag). The museum’s board of directors and dedicated volunteers ensure that this heritage is accessible and engaging to the public.

Collections and Exhibitions: Highlights

Permanent Collection

MOEB’s collection—now over 30,000 objects—features:

Gramophones & Turntables: Tracing the journey from Berliner’s original inventions to later models.
Radios & Broadcasting Equipment: Showcasing crystal sets, tube radios, military communication devices, and commercial broadcasting tools.
Recording Devices & Studio Equipment: From wax cylinder machines to digital recorders, including consoles and microphones pivotal to the Canadian recording industry.
Historic Records & Documentation: Rare 78 rpm records, early Canadian pressings, and archival materials.
Televisions & Visual Broadcasting: Highlighting Montreal’s role in the rise of TV as a mass medium.

Special and Thematic Exhibitions

MOEB regularly curates exhibitions that spotlight pivotal moments and figures, such as:

A Century of History of Audio and Broadcasting (MOEB: A Century of History)
Herbert S. Berliner: Building the Canadian Recording Industry (MOEB: Herbert S. Berliner)
Women in Montreal’s Music Industry (MOEB: Women in Montreal’s Music Industry)
Design Montreal RCA: The Sixties and the Seventies (MOEB: Design Montreal RCA)
100 Years of Radio Broadcasting in Montreal (MOEB: 100 Years of Radio Broadcasting)
Magic of Waves in Saint-Henri—an “open reserve” exhibition with over 400 objects accessible to visitors (MOEB: Magic of Waves in Saint-Henri)

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location

MOEB is situated at 1001 Lenoir St., room A-108, Montreal, QC, H4C 2Z6, in the vibrant Saint-Henri neighborhood (MOEB Official Website). The museum is easily accessible via the Lionel-Groulx metro station and several major bus routes. Weekend parking is available on Lenoir Street.

Visiting Hours (Fall/Winter 2024–2025)

Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
Sunday: Closed

Check for updates on holiday schedules or special closures at the official website.

Tickets and Admission Fees

Family: $25
Groups (5+): $10 per person
Children under 12: Free
Guided Tours: By appointment

Currently, tickets are sold at the entrance; advance phone/email booking is recommended for groups and guided tours.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible: Main exhibition spaces are accessible, though some heritage areas may have limits.
Facilities: Restrooms and intercom service available during weekends.
Language: Exhibits and tours are offered in both French and English.

Contact the museum in advance for special accessibility needs.

Educational Programs and Community Outreach

School and Academic Engagement

MOEB offers curriculum-aligned educational programs for primary, secondary, and university students, supported by downloadable guides and hands-on workshops (MOEB Educational Program). Programs cover the evolution of sound technology, scientific principles of audio transmission, and the cultural context of Montreal’s audio industry.

Virtual Learning

MOEB’s digital resources include virtual exhibitions, online archives, and the Emile Berliner Sound and Image Archive (MOEB Virtual Content).

Community Events

MOEB participates in citywide events like Montreal Museums Day and Nuit Blanche, often providing extended hours and special programming (mtl.org). Public lectures, workshops, and online presentations expand the museum’s reach.

Planning Your Visit: Tips & Nearby Attractions

Advance Booking: Recommended for guided tours and group visits.
Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed; check for restrictions.
Visit Duration: Typical visits last 60–90 minutes.
Dining: Saint-Henri offers many restaurants and cafés nearby.
Other Attractions: Lachine Canal, Atwater Market, and historic streets are all within walking distance (mtl.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Saturday, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed Mondays and Sundays (seasonal variations apply).

Q: How much does admission cost?
A: Family $25, groups (5+) $10 per person, children under 12 free.

Q: Is MOEB wheelchair accessible?
A: Main exhibition areas are accessible; contact the museum for specific needs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in English and French, by appointment.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Weekend street parking is available on Lenoir Street.

COVID-19 and Health Measures

As of July 2025, most restrictions have been lifted; hand sanitizing stations are provided, and mask wearing is optional.

Awards and Recognition

MOEB has earned distinctions such as the Governor General’s History Award for its digital initiatives and is highly rated by visitors for its knowledgeable staff and unique collections (museesmontreal.org).

Conclusion & How to Connect

The Musée des Ondes Emile Berliner is a vital Montreal historical site, preserving the legacy of sound innovation and connecting visitors to the city’s industrial and cultural past. Whether exploring its extensive collections, participating in educational programs, or attending special events, MOEB offers a rich, multifaceted experience for all ages and backgrounds. Plan your visit today by checking the official MOEB website, booking tickets in advance, and exploring related Montreal historical sites. Enhance your visit with the Audiala mobile app and follow MOEB on social media for the latest news and events.