Nancy Brown Peace Carillon

The Nancy Brown Peace Carillon is an octagonal bell tower with neo-Gothic design that rises from Belle Isle Park near the band shell. Within the structure are 49 bells that can be played by hand to produce classical and contemporary melodies.

The tower was built in 1940 through donations from Detroit News readers and honors journalist Nancy Brown who organized outdoor religious services. Real bells were installed in 2003, replacing the electronic organ system that had operated since the structure's opening.

The bells ring out daily across Belle Isle, creating a soundscape that draws people to pause and listen. This musical tradition has become woven into the park's identity, marking moments of the day for visitors and locals alike.

The carillon is accessible year-round on Belle Isle Park and performances happen on a regular schedule. Visitors get the clearest sound experience by standing in the open area in front of the tower where the bells ring freely.

For more than 60 years the tower used an electronic organ system to simulate bell sounds before receiving real bells in 2003. This transformation changed how the music sounded and felt throughout the park, bringing authentic bell tones to replace the recorded versions.

Location: Detroit

GPS coordinates: 42.33528,-82.98861

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44