United States
Delaware (DE)
Dover
Places to visit in Dover
Johnson Victrola Museum
See all things to do

Johnson Victrola Museum

See all things to do
See all things to do
Johnson Victrola Museum
5
137 reviews
#3 of 33 things to do in Dover
Speciality Museums
Read more
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Write a review
About
Named in honor of local inventor E.R. Johnson, this museum explores the sound recording industry from its beginnings and includes displays of early talking machines, records and other relics from the 1890s to 1929.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
144 within 5 kms
Grey Fox Grille and Public House
103
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Pub
La Baguette Bakery & Catering
10
0.1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Bakeries • French
The House of Coffi
14
0.4 km₹ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Simaron Steak & Pizza Shop
20
0.3 km₹ • Quick Bites • American
Great Wall Kitchen
16
43 m₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Chinese • Asian
Cobblestone Cafe
7
0.3 km₹
Caribbean Cuisine
7
0.3 km₹ • Caribbean
Golden Fleece Tavern
6
0.2 kmPub
Sweets & Treats
1
0.3 km
7-Eleven
1
100 m
See all
Attractions
32 within 10 kms
Children's Theatre
2
81 mTheatres
Old State House
117
0.3 kmGovernment Buildings
First State Heritage Park
55
0.3 kmParks
Schwartz Center for the Arts
21
0.3 kmTheatres
Biggs Museum of American Art
106
0.4 kmArt Museums • History Museums
Christ Episcopal Church
27
0.4 kmReligious Sites
Spence's Bazaar
102
0.4 kmFlea & Street Markets
Delaware State Visitor Center
21
0.4 kmVisitor Centres • History Museums
Legislative Hall
60
0.6 kmGovernment Buildings
Kent County Courthouse
0.5 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
See all
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
137 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
22
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Road43075044717
Newburgh, NY4 contributions
Fascinating and Free!!
Mar 2023 • Couples
I loved this museum. If you love music, you will too. A fascinating walk back in time to when music was first captured, recorded and released into people's homes using these strange machines. You can see, hear and experience it as they did. An excellent visit for those of us who remember Nipper the dog (the sound of his master's voice) and an education for those who only think of vinyl as a collectable.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
binsca
Alexandria, VA64 contributions
Outstanding collection
Aug 2022
The Victrola history is much more interesting than I realized! And this museum has an outstanding collection of Victrolas and other related artifacts. For most of my visit, I was the only guest in the museum, so the person working there (maybe he was a volunteer) shared a lot of interesting information and stories with me. Small, unique museum and worth a visit. I'm always happy to find these museums that capture and protect a unique part of history for future generations.
Written 19 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave M
Verona, WI161 contributions
Ask the docent for a tour
Sep 2022
It was a slow day at the museum. Docent Larry greeted us when we arrived and offered us a quick introduction to the museum. He ended up giving us a private tour of the whole museum that lasted more than 1 1/2 hours.

Larry was a great guide. He explained how one model was different from the next, why it was unique, lots of back stories, etc. None of it was a dry recitation of facts. We had a lively interaction the whole time. If left to ourselves we would have spent at most a half hour there and we wouldn't have gotten that much out of it.

The docents normally don't give tours. When you go, ask if Larry can give you a tour anyway. You'll be really glad you did. Be sure to leave a decent donation.
Written 10 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard G
3 contributions
The Johnson Victrola Museum - a Wonderful Place!!!
Jul 2022
The Johnson Victrola Museum - what a wonderful place! The museum is clean and well-organized, with fascinating and historically-significant exhibits. However, the best part of the museum is the staff - friendly, approachable, and extremely, extraordinarily knowledgeable. See it!!!!
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Climber815283
3 contributions
Dover, DE
Mar 2022 • Couples
Went on Trip Advisor, website for museum said to make reservation as only 6 people allowed in building at once . As of March 1, no reservation was required. We were there on March 2. Anyone who did 5 minutes of research would know “the rules - due to Covid “. It is small but we spent an hour viewing and learning the interesting history. It is a very interesting part of the history of recorded music and was a part of the world wide music culture. Almost everyone from a certain era would know their logo. It’s small, but contains two floors. I doubt that it is ever “crowded” which to us was part of its appeal. Also, it is free. (But we left a $20 donation)!!
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kinnakeeto
Manlius, NY100 contributions
Check ahead before you go or you may be disappointed—I was
Feb 2022
On a February trip I made special plans to visit this museum and was quite keen to see it—enough to make a long, tough, early drive with that in mind. On arrival I learned that the only way to have access is by reserving a slot in advance—which was not possible for me. A couple who had reserved but opted to leave after five minutes suggested that perhaps I might take their slot.

When I called the number provided I was brusquely told that I was out of luck, that no accommodation could be made for me.

After literally years of planning to visit this was frustrating and infuriating to say the least. Only local folks have access to this museum, apparently.
Written 16 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
crimescenedoc
Stony Brook, NY25 contributions
A hidden gem
Jul 2021
Based on other reviews, we decided to check out the museum with no expectations. and it turned out to be one of the best museums we've visited. Fans of history, electronics, music, records/record players will all find something to interest them.

It is self guided on the first floor, but the tour guide is there to provide fun facts as you move through the history of the machines (actual ones on display) and playing records on theses machines allowing guests to hear how the sound progressed with new technologies

The second floor is guided. We were hesitant since we were the only ones there (which can be uncomfortable),but the guide was charming and funny and we enjoyed every minute of it! We left smiling ear to ear!
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave C
Alexandria, VA1,506 contributions
Fantastic Gem, a Must-See Museum
Apr 2021
This is really a hidden gem. If you don't know about the history, culture, and importance of the Victrola, this is the place to learn. Victrola were such a important part of culture at the turn of the last century, and the museum is a great primer for those new to the subject and a treat for even experienced history buffs. Wonderful staff. My wife, who isn't much of a buff, loved it as well.
Written 11 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Me H
New Milford, CT268 contributions
Worth Visiting the Museum
Oct 2020
In this Time of Covid, you can only view the downstairs. You are limited to about 30 minutes for viewing and listening to the person talk about the place. The self guided tour ends with a sample listening of a Victrola playing a record. Overall it was interesting. You need to call for a reservation ahead of time. Donations are accepted.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judy S
Pulaski, TN460 contributions
Interesting Place
Sep 2020
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, although it was short. Unfortunately, with the COVID, we were only allowed 30 minutes to take a self-guided tour. The employees were very friendly and answered all of our questions.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 136
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Explore More Things to Do in Dover

Johnson Victrola Museum (Dover) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Johnson Victrola Museum
Johnson Victrola Museum is open:
  • Wed - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM