Fondazione Luigi Tronci
Collection of percussion instruments from around the world, from UFIP cymbals to instruments of the musical theatre, open to visitors by booking in Pistoia.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Fondazione Luigi Tronci holds a collection of percussion instruments assembled over more than fifty years by Luigi Tronci, a descendant of a Pistoian family of organ builders and long associated with UFIP, a manufacturer of drum cymbals. In the 18th century the brothers Anton Maria and Filippo Tronci began building organs for churches; with the following generations the workshop specialised in percussion instruments for theatres, bands and orchestras. In 1931 the Pistoian firms came together in UFIP, the Unione Fabbricanti Italiani di piatti musicali e tam-tam (Union of Italian Manufacturers of Musical Cymbals and Tam-tams).
The collection includes cymbals and gongs of the UFIP tradition, musical instruments from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, special instruments built for musical theatre, sound sculptures and instruments designed for teaching. Part of it is housed in the Conservatorio San Giovanni Battista, in Corso Gramsci 37, and can be visited.
The visits are not those of a traditional museum: visitors can listen to and try the instruments. Musical activities are coordinated by the association Officine Tam Tam, which is based in the same building and also offers workshops, courses, family events and music therapy programmes.
Highlights
- Cymbals and gongs of the UFIP tradition
- Musical instruments from around the world
- Special instruments of the musical theatre, such as tubular bells
- Sound sculptures
- Interactive visits with a musician
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di strumenti a percussione – UFIP cymbals, musical instruments from around the world, musical theatre instruments, sound sculptures and teaching instruments.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Fondazione Luigi Tronci; attività musicali a cura di Officine Tam Tam APS
Admission & discounts
| Visitors with disabilities | €10Guided tour for groups of people with disabilities: €10 per person, minimum €100 per group. |
|---|---|
| Groups (10+ people) | €10 per personInteractive group visit with a musician: €150 for groups of up to 15 people; above that, €10 per participant. |
The free guided tour, with a donation (offerta libera), is available to individuals or groups of up to 9 people and always requires booking.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Guided visits are organised for people with motor and cognitive disabilities, with activities inspired by music therapy.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The Foundation offers initiatives for families and children, such as musical workshops for the very youngest and family drum circles; during visits, participants can play the instruments.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
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| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Three visit formats: free visit with a donation for individuals or up to 9 people, with an explanation of the instruments by Luigi Tronci or staff; interactive group visit with a musician (from 10 people); visit for people with disabilities. Visits last about an hour and a half and are booked by email or WhatsApp. |
