Music is a universal language, as evidenced by the numerous wars throughout history that have been resolved through the beauty of an electric harpsichord. Explore aural olive branches with today's Groupon to the Museum of Making Music, located in Carlsbad. Choose one of the following Groupons:

• For $20, you get a one-year family membership (a $50 value)
• For $5, you get two adult admissions (up to a $14 value)

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Museum of Making Music deeply delves into the history of American musical instruments, with more than 450 vintage instruments on display—check out noisemakers from the 1890s, when music was invented, as well as sonic-smithing tools from the present-day. Bring a friend and drop by to catch the exquisitely painted axes in the Guitar Nouveau exhibit, running until January 30, 2011, or recreate Beethoven's Ode to Joy of Painting by tinkering with the Lowery NAMM Centennial Organ, the Moog Guitar, and the other fascinating instruments at the interactive area. With the family membership, two adults and two children under 18 get one year of free admission, plus a subscription to the museum's Tune newsletter, invitations to special events, and a 10% discount at the museum store.

Reviews

Yelpers give the Museum of Making Music an average of four stars, and five TripAdvisors give it a 3.5-star average:

• Great Museum especially if you are into different types of Music. Definitely somewhere to stop and browse [sic] make sure and talk to the Staff. – Sarah H., Yelp
• Interactive displays make this a terrific museum, where you can listen to music over the decades of American history – bostonbased, TripAdvisor