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Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels

19th February 2007

Holding one of the world's most significant collections of musical artefacts, Brussels' Musical Instrument Museum looks back at over 500 years of music.

The museum's collection was originally based on those belonging to Belgian musicologist François-Joseph Fétis and the Rajah Sourindro Mohun Tagore. The Rajah's collection was originally offered to King Leopold II, and contained more than 100 Indian instruments.

The collection increased in significance in 1924, when benefactor Victor Charles Mahillon left over 3,500 pieces for the collection following his death.

Recently refurbished and now featuring around 1,500 instruments, the museum uses more modern technologies to allow visitors to listen to musical clips ranging from ancient Greek efforts to traditional Finnish songs.

The museum's four floors of exhibits feature a number of unusual instruments, including a set of giant stone chimes from China, the only such set outside of their home country.

Originally an Old England department store, the Musical Instrument Museum's distinctive Art Nouveau structure provides astonishing views of Brussels and beyond, and holds a 200 seat hall that hosts concerts in the afternoon and evening. The museum's range of cultural attractions make it a must-visit for music lovers on a break in Brussels.

© Adfero Ltd

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