Discover Duluth Redux: A World of Accordions Museum

Originally published Jan. 10, 2008, on DuluthBudgeteer.com.

Looking at Superior’s Harrington Arts Center (on the corner of Hammond and Belknap), you’d never guess that an amazing accordion museum was hiding in its basement.

First of all, the art center is actually an old church and … an accordion museum?

It’s true. And not only that, but, with a collection of more than 1,200, it’s also one of the world’s largest — if not the largest.

It is the brainchild of Helmi Harrington, who holds a doctorate in musicology (among other degrees).

The accordion enthusiast had her collection in Duluth for more than a decade, but crossed the bridge a few years back when she found this “lovely place.”

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Cost is $10. For group rates, special tours or to learn about the rest of center, call (715) 395-2787 or visit www.accordionworld.org.

“Discover Duluth” is an ongoing photo essay series by Matthew R. Perrine that highlights points of interest in and around the region. For more photos from this set, click on the accompanying photo gallery.