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Every city moves to its own beat, but some have chosen to take their music scene experiences up a notch by constructing buildings in the likeness of instruments. 

From a memorial that doubles as a music hall to a glittery piano, the following four buildings may sit in peace and quiet, but the music they conjure intends to play on long after you’ve left.

 Tennessee: Grand Guitar

Not only is Bristol, Tennessee praised for being the “Birthplace of Country Music,” it stives to reinforce its status in the music world by boasting the largest guitar. The three-story, 70-foot-long centerpiece was once the home of a radio station before it was turned into a museum that preserved unusual instruments.

Although it currently sits vacant and its strings haven’t been strummed in some time, visitors rarely pass up the chance to travel along Interstate I-81 to see this gigantic Martin guitar up close.

China: China Drum

It comes as no surprise that China moves to the beat of its own drum, especially since one of its biggest real estate companies coughed up millions of dollar to create the China Drum, which firmly holds the title as the world’s largest drum-shaped building in the Guinness Book of World Records with a diameter that measures 58.5 meters. 

The bright red and gold 2-story structure plays an instrumental role in the town of Hefei with a décor that authentically incorporates the Chinese culture blended with a bit of local traditions. Taking a step through the China Drum’s doors is also a special treat for the musically-inclined visitor since its drum theme profoundly decorates its interior.

India: Chowdiah Memorial Hall

If you’re looking for India’s vibrant music scene, one place you’ll find it is in the Chowdiah Memorial Hall.  Taking the shape of a violin in memory of its namesake violinist T. Chowdiah, the artistic structure is renowned for hosting many of Bangalore’s events like theatrical performances, concerts and music festivals. 

However, it is Chowdiah Memorial Hall’s auditorium that captures its spectators’ attention from first glance. That’s because this is where its musical shape that includes its seven strings, bow, bridge and keys come alive. And when its entertainers take center stage, the acoustics are known to transform any sound into music to the ears.

China: The Piano House

Nothing expresses the love for music like building glimmering structures into two of the most influential instruments.  Since 2007, the Chinese city of Huainan has become a music-lover’s playground with The Piano House, which displays a violin entirely made of glass and a sparkling black piano. 

However, visitors are not likely to hear one musical note from either of these instruments since this architectural masterpiece is used as a showroom, with the violin serving as a connection to the piano and providing entry up to the piano’s open lid, which hovers over the balcony.