Musical Instruments

View musical instruments from around the world, ranging from ancient times to the late twentieth century. The Museum is home to over 1,100 instruments, including many European and American examples, as well as numerous pieces from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Museum visitors can enjoy and learn about the instrument collection not only through exhibitions, but also by way of talks, live demonstrations, concerts, publications, and recorded audio samples.

Highlights

Percussion Instruments

Panpipes, Vessel Flutes, and Whistles

Recorders, Flageolets, and Related Instruments

Flutes, Piccolos, and Fifes

Clarinets, Saxophones, and Related Instruments

Oboes, Bassoons, and Related Instruments

Bagpipes, Reedpipes, and Capped-reed Instruments

Harmonicas, Accordions, and Related Instruments

Zithers, Psalteries, and Dulcimers

Harps

Lutes, Guitars, and Related Instruments

Bowed String Instruments

Keyboard Instruments

Brasswind Instruments

Native North American Instruments

Native Central and South American Instruments

African Instruments

Middle Eastern Instruments

South Asian Instruments

Chinese Instruments

Japanese Instruments

Southeast Asian Instruments

Indonesian Instruments

Oceanic Instruments