The £15 million lottery-funded project officially launched in March 1999 and was envisaged as a celebration of contemporary music and culture, with exhibits including instruments and outfits from the careers of legendary acts.
But the place on Paternoster Row struggled to attract enough visitors, becoming a high-profile failure – after its closure as a museum in July 2000 it was used as a venue for hire before the distinctive building, formed of stainless steel-coated ‘drums’, was turned into Sheffield Hallam University’s students’ union.
Enjoy a virtual trip to the long-gone museum by taking a look at these pictures.
1. Intriguing design
Nick Banks and Russell Senior of Pulp look at a scale model of the centre in 1996. Photo: Paul Chappells
2. Seen from above
Sheffield Hallam University's Science Park and the National Centre for Popular Music in 1999. Photo: Roger Nadal
3. Musical history
Visitors look at exhibits on the last day of opening in 2000. Photo: JPIMedia
4. Blowing their own horns
The cast of Brassed Off in the centre's acoustic section in 1999 - Steve Hewison, who plays Phil, Bill Rodgers, who plays Harry, Dennis Lill, who plays Danny the conductor and Loveday Smith who plays Gloria. Photo: Andrew Partridge