Debence Antique Music World in Venango County

Stopped in for the short downstairs tour and was blown away, so much history here, we will be back to get the full tour. From what we saw it is a very we’ll assembled museum. Staff was very polite and helpful.

I lived in Meadville most of my life and cant believe I had never heard of this gem before. The collection is extensive- youll see the first synthesizer, many home organs, a piano player, player pianos, and many music boxes and machines from different eras (including some that played music for local theme parks like Kennywood). Key parts of some of the machines were open so that we could see how they worked inside. It was a fascinating blend of music and engineering, and the enthusiastic guide really brought the machines to life. The Victorian music boxes and gramophones (some with puppets!in particular felt like a trip back in time. Because it drew from a regional collection, the museum also had an interesting mix of one-of-a-kind instruments with standard machines that were used by everyday people. Amazing museum!

Greatxway to burn a few hours and learn about player pianos. Excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable too.

What a Quirky, Charming, Interesting place! Whether a lover of music, history or just things that fascinate... this is a Must See Museum!!

Interesting assortment of period mechanical musical instruments of all sizes. Great museum for a few hours of exploration and informative fun. Take some quarters to play cool music from old mechanical instruments.

So unique and knowledgeable tour guide. Rare and one of a kind musical devices. Have to see!

Nice step back in time. Collection is beautiful. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Tour is worth the time.

This place is amazing, if you havent been there youre missing out. Captivates the mind.

This place brought back wonderful memories for me. The downstairs they had a band uniform from when I was in concert band in 9th grade.

An awesome place full of rich history, with a very personal touch. I found this place by chance for something to do on my husbands birthday. The employees went above and beyond to make it extremely special. There is something for everyone when you visit. Also dont be fooled by the pictures on the website, the collection is huge. It is worth the trip for a tour.

Very interesting place. Lots of history- Beautiful large music boxes and instruments many people do not know about. Plenty of old pieces that they play for you. Tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. I recommend this and call prior to get a tour. The basement and second floor are at your own pace.

Wonderful historical Look at music!!!

A must for music appreciation of musical players from mid 1800s to mid 1900s. Player pictured is like the one that was on the Titanic. Well worth the visit

Found this place when we stayed in Franklin, visiting my Aunt in Tionesta. This gem is awesome! The staff are wonderful as well. We spent over an hour in the museum basement checking out all the exhibits. The player pianos, jukebox, and other items that you can actually play by dropping a quarter in are fantastic! We played most all of them more than once. We actually visited two days in a row to take it all in and bring some other family the second time too. We didnt do the paid your, but really want to next time. Dont hesitate to check this place out if you are in the area!

From the very beginning of recorded music and sound to every conceivable form to play, play easier or just listen, Debence has a priceless collection. They all work, and some are so loud they will blow you away. Well worth seeing.

Very interesting we really liked the facts and the tour. Id definitely go again.

This is a definite treasure! For a very small entry fee you can step into the past and learn the history of many musical instruments and hear them play - delightful place to visit!

Loved every second we were here!

Recently visited this museum and it was absolutely worth the nearly 3 hour drive. This is a total hidden gem! An incredible collection of a antique music boxes, player pianos, Victrola and Edison machines, radios and much much more. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff who would give a detailed explanation of the machines. Great to be able to hear them operate also.A gift shop area plus they have 33s, 78s, Edison cylinders, player piano rolls and more for sale to help fundraising.Absolutely recommend and will return.

Fun and interesting museum! Highly recommend!

My friend and I had a wonderful time here. Mary is an excellent tour guide and provided in-depth information about many of the music boxes, phonographs, or organs, and many of the other instruments there. There’s a lot of history attached to each piece and it’s all very informative. We were allowed to explore the bottom floor where more pianos, organs, and vintage radios were placed. A really interesting place for musicians and music appreciators.

A delightful experience! Our tour guide was animated and informative.

Huge number of Edison and Victoria players, player pianos and organs plus calliopes and even barrel organs. Ground floor tour is guided, 2nd and basement self guided. They have a huge record collection too.

Great collection and a nice tour. Very unique

Our tour guide, Vince, was excellent! This place is amazing with many one-of-a-kind music boxes, player pianos, orchestrion, phonographs and so much more!!! And they work!!! Smithsonian worthy pieces. I wish we had planned more time—1.5 hrs was not enough. We appreciated our tour guide staying past closing time to accommodate us! There were so many great pictures to relate to the historical period. Thanks for a great afternoon in Franklin.

DeBence Antique Music World is a diamond in the rust belt of northwest Pennsylvania.

Music and mechanical marvels all in one... amazing collection of music machines!!!

What a cool and unique museum! If youre in northwest PA you definitely need to stop!

Priceless collection of vintage instruments, player pianos, calipoies and much, much more covering two large floors. No admission cost although a very interesting and informative guided tour is offered for a small fee. This is a must see for anyone with a music background or inclination. A NW Pa treasure located in Franklin, Pa., also known as the "Victorian City".

Great outing for the whole family! Of you are on the cheap you can go to the lower level and make old style pianos play for a quarter. They also have historic old shortwave radios and a history of wire and tape recorders. I never knew the first microphones were made of wire suspended in the air...they have one on display. Amazing that this gem is in downtown Franklin. I would like to give it ten stars. Dont miss this if you are ever in Franklin! VERY informative.

Very interesting. I recommend visiting.Friendly.

We loved this music museum.Our 7 year granddaughter cantstop talking about it!Thank you for preserving history!

If you like antiques, music and mechanical devices this is the place for you!

A nice music museum also sells childrens musical instruments like rhythm sticks and tambourines

Just the right size for the price & time. We really thought it was very interesting and beautiful. I wish I would have known about it sooner. I will definitely go again. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too & souvenirs very reasonable!

Unique place to visit with a lot of history inside. Very interesting!

Had excellent collection the patrons and the guide were very informative. Place was very well organized

DeBence Music Museum is an awesome trip into the "State of the art" entertainment of years gone by.

Didnt have time to take the paid your but will go back because we enjoyed the free exhibit so much.

Amazing antique musical instruments! The staff was very knowledgeable and polite.

Lots of cool sights for kids and adults alike

Great, one of the hidden gems, dont miss it

I found this website when I was looking for things to do during a tour of smaller towns/cities in PA, and DeBence did not disappoint! The staff was very friendly, and our guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the pieces that she showed us today. There is a rich history in each piece, which have been carefully preserved and restored to their full potential. The music was delightful, and my husband and I enjoyed learning about the history behind them all. While we dont live close by, I will certainly let visitors to our home in Pittsburgh know that DeBence Antique Music World is certainly worth the day trip!

A local treasure! Took a tour of debence and learned about the history and lore of some of the most unique player instruments ever made!

This place contains musical artifacts you would not imagine existed. Truly an eye-opening educational experience that will provide food for thought with a fine, lingering aftertaste.

Nice old building friendly staff lots of antiques

Amazing place full of history. People there are really nice, kind and they really know about the music history. Really loved it! Would like to have a little more 70s and 80s variety.

Amazing people and great place if youre bored and need some excitement!

This was much better than I was expecting! My wife is more of a fan of this type of music, but I found myself fascinated by the information our tour guide provided. This may be more for adults that like music and the history of recorded music. The collection of music boxes, phonographs, "player" pianos and their ilk will love this. Expect to spend an hour to an hour-and-a-half there.

Wonderful slice of history. If you love music, youll love Debence