Gift Shop

Now in stock at the Rhythm! gift shop are these polka dotted xylophones from Janod. With this fun instrument, you can play all of your favorite songs while a friend bangs away on a drum. All xylophones come with a pair of mallets and are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! Our little xylophones can be purchased in person at the Rhythm! Gift Shop or at our online store.

Instrument Origins

Rhythm!’s newest exhibit brings you to the beginnings of percussion and sound.

Learn about the science of sound and the evolution of percussion instruments as you tour through an expanded presentation of the three basic sound properties of percussion. See what a sound-wave looks like when you hit a drum on the Rhythm! Drum Wall. Hear how different mallets and hand positions create a variety of sounds on wood, skin and metal instruments in ten different interactive portals.

Archival displays and rare video footage introduce a visual interpretation on the building of various percussion instruments in other societies.

Reviews

- Courtesy of Lodge Design Co., Indianapolis, IN

“The Rhythm! Discovery Center is a great place to learn about the origins and evolution of drums/percussion.  Worth a visit for any music enthusiast… or anyone who likes to hit things!” - Matt Billingslea, drummer (Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum)

“I had a great time checking out the Rhythm! Discovery Center. There are tons of rare and interesting instruments to check out. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I’d advise everybody to check it out no matter what you’re into…rhythm is in everyone, not just drummers and percussionists!”-Stanton Moore, drummer(Galactic)

“The Rhythm! Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind gold mine for percussionists – or any rhythm enthusiasts – of all ages. I found it to be a wealth of extremely important historical material – and personally, an invaluable experience that has proven to be greatly inspirational. It’s also completely accessible for non-drummers to have a hands on experience with all things percussion and learn about the evolution and development of percussion the world over.” -Glenn Kotche, drummer(Wilco); Percussionist; Composer

“In downtown Indy is this magical place where you can bang on a variety of percussion instruments.” -Amy Bertrand, Stltoday.com

“You might lose yourself in the center of the city, but you might never want to be found. When you do return to the traffic and the normalcy, you’ll certainly be more in touch with the beat, the rhythm of life.” -Micah Ling, NUVO Newsweekly

“For a louder experience, try a hidden gem downtown…. Get ready for some volume–the center has more than 150 instruments for children and adults to play as well as interactive learning exhibits.” -Katia Hetter, CNN.com

“Each time we go, we’re captured by a new set of instruments we didn’t play the time before.” -The Average Parent Blog

“A wonderful place to visit with your family–especially those who have kids that find self expression in noise!” -Indianapolis With Kids website

“I absolutely LOVED your center!  I told my family that when we return to Indy, I want to show them your place.  Everyone was having so much fun, you’ve got some amazing and interesting things to see and do there.  I look forward to our next visit!” -David Hill, Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism

Sam: “I love that place. You get to make awesome music!”  Dad: “What a hidden gem Rhythm is! This is an educational museum done right. Not only are you learning the history through various media tools, you are also able to play a wide variety of real instruments that are spread around the exhibits.” -Sam and Eric Thomas, My Special Hand website