music man square

The price was right. The square is easily accessible, downtown. The lady tour guides were WONDERFUL ! ! ! Lots of interesting information. Just wish visitors would STOP stealing the antique banks brass fittings!

This is for the streetscape only. I was there for a company function in the banquet room so didn't go into the museum part.Very interesting, the "cobblestones" are actually chunks of wood. The buildings are (I think) 7/8ths scale. Not everything is period correct but most of it is close enough to get the idea. It is my understating it is free to view just the streetscape but costs to get into the museum. A good rainy day idea to check out if in the area.

Having grown up just 50 miles down the road from Mason City, we thought we pretty much knew about Meredith Willson, but we learned we had much to learn... and the Square was a fun place to learn it. The Square was decorated in an "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" theme, but it still didn't penetrate until we toured the boyhood home next door that Willson had written that song. Our guide to the home was knowledgeable and just plain FUN. Even on a freezing cold day it was great to indulge in the bounty of the ice cream shop. Only one small complaint: we had gone past the place twice to analyze the parking situation, and finally parked in the library's parking. The Square's parking lot is probably the best kept secret in Mason City and we'd have been much happier parking there but saw absolutely no signage to it.

Most everyone knows the song, now they should see and learn about how the musical Music Man came about. Learn about the actors, the town, Iowa people in general, and the life of Meredeth Willson. The museum has 76 trombones hanging from the ceiling donated by various area musicians. One will enjoy the museum store which sells the red shirts saying "Trouble," as well as other interesting musical items. Many antique instruments belonging to famous musicians are on display. And, of course, don't forget to sit and view :"Music Man."

If you appreciate music and particularly the"Music Man", you will appreciate this site. Beautifully designed, it feels as though you are taken back in time. The displays and store fronts in the street scape are fun and the museum offers educational and historical information. I know this is located in my hometown, but I would truly enjoy this museum at any location.

If you are a fan of the movie/musical, this is a delightful museum to wander through. Having played in the pit orchestra for 2 or 3 productions of the Music Man, the show has a warm place in my heart. It's fun to see the recreated sets, and view all of the historical information about the film. The boyhood home of Meredith Willson is next door and worth the time, too. Also, make sure to visit the nearby MacNider museum while you are so close. It's only a few blocks away!

Loved this place and especially enjoyed watching the video of making of the Music man. There were mostly elderly volunteers who were very informative, knowing the composer of this musical. It was also fun seeing the childhood home of the composer

Really enjoyed the 20 minute film narrated by Shirley Jones about the making of the movie! This place was nicely done!

The museum/square was nice , ice cream was awesome, but what was really interesting was Merridith Wilson's childhood home which was next door to the museum. The guide was very knowledgeable and was 'full' of trivia. The cost? a whole six bucks... If you like The Music Man you will love Music Man Square.

It is a celebration of the iconic 1962 movie The Music Man. We were fortunate to meet a docent who explained much about the history of Mason City. We had gone up to see the three Frank Lloyd Wright structures, but discovered much more: other homes by his disciples and a walking tour of 39 sculptures.

Not a lot to this attraction, but the status of Meridith Wilson is very nice. A good quick stop if in town and a fan of the movie. Next to his boyhood home, which happened to be closed the day we were there. Tip - the town library is amost across the street and has a small cafe, wifi, and nice restrooms.

good museum if a bit 'touristy'; friendly people; interesting exhibits; the house was very interesting

This museum was created to celebrate the childhood upbringing and life of the writer of "The Music Man" Meredith Willson. The museum contains information pertaining to his life, his music, his screen plays and much more. The museum portion contains a copy of the original street set from "The Music Man movie". It also houses items of interest concerning his life and life achievements. Adjacent to the museum and part of the tour is his childhood home. One should note though the museum portion of the attraction is wheel chair and handicap accessible, where as the boyhood home is not.The home is circa 1890's and has been restored to near original conditions, as they may have been during the time Meredith Willson had lived there. Note: it is an older home and there is some stair climbing required to access the upstairs portion of the home. One could take in the museum portion and skip the home and find oneself content with the experience.The museum is child friendly, but without a point of reference such as seeing the movie they may become board quickly. Personal experience, my granddaughter (age 7) who has seen the Music Man, did become less than excited quickly. The staff, was very personable and a joy to talk with concerning the museum and Meredith Willson, as well as other point concerning the town. They were informative and worth the cost of admission to meet and talk with. One unexpected statement from a male staff member concerned his having been present at the last performance of Buddy Holly in the town of Clear Lake. Sometimes one learns more just by being visiting than one would expect.If your in Mason City, visiting the hotel built by the great architect Frank Lloyd Wright or just passing though stop in it is worth it.Note: Parking was very confusing, we parked at the City library across the street and walked over to the museum. Not sure if they have a parking lot as we did not find one and on street parking was slightly improbable. Cost $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.http://www.visitmasoncityiowa.com/index.php/the-music-man-square

Charming and included information besides that of Music Man-worth a visit.There were both auditory and visuals including videos from people involved in all aspects of the making of the musical. It was comfortably laid out and accessible for anyone at any age.

RAGBRAI 2014 routed us through Mason City for an overnight stop, and someone in the bike club I was traveling with mentioned the theatrical streetscape at Music Man Square. But he didn't know about the other cool stuff there. --Diorama of a gazebo band shell, with a life-sized figure of John Philip Sousa along with an assortment of classic old horns. One is a York double-bell euphonium from the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Band Instrument Co. --A "Wells Fargo wagon" loaded up with lots of trombones--More horns, including a tuba (ready with mouthpiece and functional valves) in a bedroom in Willson's boyhood house. I thought about it. --Several pianos loaded with sheet music, ready for the casual visitor to sit down and play one of Willson's greatest hits--Push buttons that activate audio recordings, including the Univ of Iowa fight song (composed by Willson), various Civil War numbers, and of course "Stars and Stripes Forever."--A gift shop where you can pick up a T-shirt with a marching band design, various items with trombones, postcards, and the like. The newer building is set up for special events, and for the bike tour, they had a buffet dinner. Next door at the house, there are loads of finishing touches of interest to anyone who likes instrumental music, vintage clothing, old houses, and gracious living. My earworm for the rest of the week: the Wells Fargo Wagon song.