The National Academy of Santa Cecilia’s Museum of Musical Instruments

Inaugurated in 2008 in its new location at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the museum houses one of the main Italian collections: it includes more than five hundred pieces among instruments, objects and relics that document the different musical cultures of Europe, Asia and Africa, ranging from classical and popular Italian music to non-European ethnic music.

The most important section of the collection is represented by the instruments of the Italian luthier tradition from the 17th to the 20th century. Among them are the violin by Antonio Stradivari of 1690 called the "Toscano", built for the Grand Prince Ferdinando de 'Medici and the mandolin and viola by the German luthier David Tecchler.

Of particular value are also some examples of Roman mandolones by Gaspar Ferrari, luthier of German origin, creator of these very popular instruments in 18th century Rome, but little known today. The collection is enriched by the legacy of Margherita di Savoia consisting of her private collection of plucked instruments.

Among the instruments belonging to other cultures we remember those of China, Japan and Yemen.

The visit can be supported by a palmtop computer which allows to listen to the sounds of the instruments observed; inside the museum there is also a violin making workshop that can be visited by the public and a bookshop where you can buy the Academy's publications.

Photo credits: The National Academy of Santa Cecilia’s Museum of Musical Instruments