Nisco Museum of Mechanical Music, Haifa

The Nisco Museum of Mechanical Music, located in the charming artist village of Ein Hod, offers a distinctive auditory and historical experience. Founded by Nissan Cohen, affectionately known as "Nisco," the museum celebrates his deep love for mechanical musical instruments. Perched amidst the serene hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this museum beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting realm of vintage music-making devices.

Upon entering through a modest gift shop, guests step into a spacious hall adorned with one of the Middle East's finest collections of mechanical music artifacts. Collected painstakingly over four decades by Cohen, these instruments range from music boxes and hurdy-gurdies to self-playing organs and pianos capable of mimicking renowned pianists, providing a comprehensive overview of mechanical music's evolution. Antique gramophones and records add further richness to the museum's displays, offering a glimpse into the auditory heritage of yesteryears.

A standout exhibit at the Nisco Museum is the Primar, an 84-key mechanical organ crafted by Arthur Prinsen, a celebrated Belgian musician and composer credited with revolutionizing mechanical organ performance. Acquired and restored by Cohen, this remarkable piece exemplifies the fusion of art, science, and technology in the realm of mechanical music.

The museum's repertoire extends beyond musical instruments to include mechanical automata depicting animals, humans, and dolls, showcasing the intertwined history of music and mechanical ingenuity. Each artifact within the museum's extensive collection narrates a tale, portraying humanity's enduring fascination with music.