The above fire has caused many casualties and a lot of damage.It has also reached Nisco's museum of mechanical music located at the entrance to Ein-Hod artists' colony. The museum houses a private, unique collection of mechanical music devices accumulated by Nisco (Nisan Cohen) over 45 years.
web photo - the fire got to the small museum and caused damage
Anyway, now, six and a half years after the fire, the little museum continues its activity of tours and concerts taking place regularly at the spot. It is a bit off the beaten track, and there are a few stairs to climb to the entrance (apparently no easy access for people with disabilities, if at all). However,it's kind of a "gem" , a place for all ages, and well worth a visit.
At the entrance (also exit) there's a small shop. where one could buy mementos relevant to the items and themes of the museum.
stairs up to the entrance of the museum
the shop
inside the shop
wooden boxes; you can buy one and make your own music
Downstairs, the museum, looks dull and simple with plastic chairs for the audience - but it's the musical devices and the presenter (the owner) that make it come alive and interesting. The collection comprises: musical boxes, gramophones, a 170 year old organ, a concertina, phonographs, manivelles, hand operated automatic piano , old records ,you name it ...
The owner of the collection - Nisco, a charismatic gentleman of over eighty, with an american accent and a dog which seems very attached to him - conducts the show. He does so with humor and jokes, interracting with the public during his explanations and musical demonstrations. Sometimes, he uses his singing voice which is quite a pleasant one.
Nisco in action
Nisco goes from one musical device to another to explain things
Primar, the latest aquisition - organ from Belgium
The museum tour lasted about an hour and it was all fun and pleasure.