In MMD 000706, in a letter discussing the problems with the
demonstration of mechanical musical instruments in non-specialised
museums, curator Peter Donhauser wrote:

> Even the (larger) Deutsches Museum in Munich cannot demonstrate
> the automata permanently.

Readers may be interested to know that last Summer the Deutsches Museum
(which is a general technology museum and well worth visiting) had one
daily scheduled demonstration of their mechanical music items.  The
demonstration was accompanied with a multilingual commentary giving basic
information about the exhibits.  Unsurprisingly, and understandably, it
was aimed at the general visitor and not the mechanical music
enthusiast.  Questions from the audience were encouraged.

Unfortunately, the only indication that demonstrations took place was
a small notice located in the musical instrument exhibition room
itself.  As such only by happening to visit the department before the
demonstration was due to take place, which was at around 1 pm, was it
known about in time to attend.

If anyone is planning on visiting the Deutsches Museum it may be worth
enquiring first to see if demonstrations are still being given and at
what time.  The visit can thus be timed accordingly.

The Muenchener Stadtmuseum (in Munich) also has a small collection of
mechanical musical items, including a large clockwork barrel
orchestrion with a number of automaton figures as well as fairground
organs built by Limonaire and Bruder.  There was no indication that any
of the instruments in this museum were ever demonstrated however.

Regards,

Douglas Bush
UK.