Preserving Heritage
The Indian Music Experience Museum, also known as IME, is the creation of a public charitable trust with the same name that receives funding from the Brigade Group. “The IME is our means of conserving the rich musical history of our nation and enlightening people through the displays and hands-on activities we offer here. According to M.R. Jaishankar, Chairman and Managing Director of Brigade Group, “it is our way of giving back to society, inspiring the next generation of music lovers, and documenting music history for the future generations.” The actual centre is organised roughly into three sections: the Sound Garden, the museum proper, which has nine galleries, and a learning centre.
Insightful Galleries
The Sound Garden, located at the entrance to the museum, contains a variety of musical sculptures and installations, including singing stones, tubular bells, humming stones, and xylophones. Before entering the galleries, visitors can listen to the notes, feel the vibrations, and create their own tunes and sounds by playing the instruments. The museum’s nine galleries, which cover three floors and more than 50,000 square feet, feature various facets of Indian music, such as its progression over time, its history, and its numerous genres and artists.
“Indie Scene”
The first gallery features a vibrant recreation of a street music scene that appeals to young people and millennials against a busy business street in Bangalore. The atmosphere is unique and vibrant, and it captures the beginnings of independent rock music in India.
Classical corridors
The next galleries focus on the specifics of Carnatic and Hindustani music and include tidbits about terms like “shruti,” “raga,” “tala,” “gharana,” “dhrupad,” “khayal,” and “kutcheri.” It also beautifully illustrates how folk music originated in many rural and tribal groups through songs connected with life events like birth, death, festivals, and marriages. Folk art on the walls, puppets, and Rajasthani symbols like the “kaavad box” should not be missed because they together provide an interesting experience.
Musical Blend
In one of the galleries, there are over 100 musical instruments on display, and another is devoted to the music scene during India’s freedom movement. Both the history of sound recording in India and the origins of Hindi film music are thoroughly documented.
Rare Experiences
The museum is a rich trove of artefacts, including the concert attire of Daler Mehndi, Bismillah Khan’s headgear and shehnai, and a saree worn by MS Subbulakshmi. Some unique artefacts include a phonograph, wax cylinders, gramophone, and leg harmonium. The museum offers numerous photo opportunities for tourists in addition to interactive stations where guests can record their own audio and remix it, as well as make their own remixes. Through its outreach programme, the Learning Centre, a crucial component of IME, is dedicated to providing high-quality music education.
The Indian Music Experience (IME), at JP nagar in south Bangalore, is a must-visit whether you are a musician, a fan, or just an enthusiast.