Would like to see a world-class selection of the finest and most outstanding instruments made throughout the world? The National Music Museum in Vermilion South Dakota is the place to visit. The museum was founded in 1973 on the campus of the University of South Dakota and it is also home to a number of first original, most preserved, and historically important instruments which survived up to these days.

Visitors are welcomed by four bronze statues at the entrance of the National Music Museum. The front walls of the Museum are made of Indiana limestone. Sculptures around Tuma's Fountain have a natural charm and grace together with a soothing and peaceful music produced by the cascading water to the Townsley Courtyard. The courtyard looking as if it is part of the original building was conceptualized by Architect Donald R. Baltzer. Found in the Museum's facade are walls of Indiana limestone.

There are approximately eight hundred fifty instruments showcased in all nine galleries of the Museum. One gallery is called the Abell Gallery that displays eighteen keyboard instruments from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Exhibited here also is a pipe organ owned by Christian Dieffenbach. Its mechanism can be seen while the instrument is being played. Moreover, it also has NMC’s Arne B. Larson Concert Hall, a perfect location for performing as well as recording music that is played from original instruments from among the many historical periods and cultural scenes.