Naperville’s Millennium Carillon is one of approximately 600 carillons worldwide and is the fourth largest in North America. It is referred to as a “Grand Carillon” because its 72 bells span six octaves and it is one of only a few Grand Carillons in the world. The bells were cast by the Royal Eijsbouts (eye-bouts) Bell Foundry in The Netherlands and range in weight from 10 pounds to nearly six tons with a combined weight of 32.5 tons. The 5.8 ton Captain Joseph Naper Bell (“Big Joe”) is the largest of the bells and strikes the hour daily.
The bells can be played in two different ways. Part of the bell system is controlled by a computer located in the cabin and plays automatically at 12:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. daily. The large hammers that can be seen fixed near some of the bells are used to sound the bells when the automatic playing system is engaged. A carillonneur also can play the bells manually by using the clavier. Many local, national and international carillonneurs perform each summer as part of the Millennium Carillon Summer Recital Series. In addition, recitals are performed each week, all year long.
At the Visitor Center, formerly the historic Netzley House, located adjacent to the Millennium Carillon, guests will learn about the Carillon and area history through fun and interactive exhibits and also may view the carillonneur practice area. A six-minute video will highlight nearby Centennial Park where Centennial Beach is located, the Riverwalk and the Millennium Carillon to illustrate how these “three gifts” have had a positive impact on the community. Guests may access the Visitor Center free of charge.
The Carillon and adjacent Visitor Center are open for tours from May-October. Admission is $3 for ages 5 and older; children 4 and under are free. Visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For tour groups of 10 or more, please make a reservation by e-mailing us.
From its base to the roof, Moser Tower is 16 stories high or 158 feet tall or slightly higher than the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can climb the 253 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy the spectacular view, where on a clear day, the Chicago Skyline can be seen. Those who are unable to climb the stairs may use the elevator and remain on the Gallery Level Observation Deck. Higher ascent requires walking up as many as eight stories to reach the Observation Deck.
On Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m., from June 6-August 22, 2017, talented carillonneurs from across the country and all over the world will delight concert-goers with an evening of music. These free performances are held rain or shine (unless there is lightning) and picnicking on the lawns surrounding the tower is welcomed. Post-recital Moonlight Carillon Tours are available from 8:00-8:30 p.m. Cost is $2/person. In addition to the Tuesday evening summer series, weekly recitals by local carillonneurs take place on Saturdays at noon. Weekly Carillon pops concerts are held on Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. beginning in June and continuing through mid-November.
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See and Do
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