The Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum • 10am-6pm

Step inside for a music lesson about antique instruments and movie theatres of New York State. Sit down and play a roll on a classic 100+ year-old upright player piano or watch as a grand piano recreates the actual performance of a master pianist using pneumatic mechanical technology of the 1920’s. Learn about Syracuse’s grand vaudeville and movie palace “RKO Keith’s Theatre” which was lost to urban renewal 60 years ago.  See and hear a classic phonograph make music as it did over 150 years ago and a Hammond Electric Organ that plays all by itself! Volunteers are on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate the museum’s many exhibits. Located on the third floor of the Creative Arts Center, the museum has been a fixture of the New York State Fairgrounds since 1966. In addition, check out the extensive display on the first floor featuring residential reed organs, automatic coin operated piano, classic Wurlitzer Jukebox and more. Be sure to ask about the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe organ programs held various times throughout the year.

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