Museo degli strumenti musicali dell'Accademia nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Museum of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in the Auditorium Parco della Musica, with over 500 instruments and Stradivari’s “Toscano” violin; free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1895 by the Accademia nazionale di Santa Cecilia, with purchases and gifts from academicians, for educational purposes. Since 2008 it has been housed in the Auditorium Parco della Musica, in spaces inaugurated in February of that year, and the entrance is at the foyer of the Sala Santa Cecilia.
The collection comprises over 500 pieces, including instruments, accessories and relics from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and covers five centuries of musical history: from ancient Western music to contemporary music, from Italian folk music to non-European ethnic traditions. Its core consists of Italian lutherie instruments from the 17th to the 20th century.
About 140 instruments are displayed in showcases, while the rest are kept in storerooms. Among the most valuable pieces are Antonio Stradivari’s violin of 1690, known as “il Toscano”, built for the Grand Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici, and a mandolin and a viola by the Roman luthier David Tecchler. The museum has audiovisual and interactive stations and an audio guide, and organises guided tours, workshops and themed concerts.
Highlights
- The violin “Toscano” by Antonio Stradivari (1690)
- Mandolin and viola by the Roman luthier David Tecchler
- Core of Italian lutherie instruments from the 17th to the 20th century
- European, African and Asian instruments, of art and folk music
- Audio guide and interactive stations
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione di strumenti musicali – About 140 instruments in display cases, from Italian lutherie of the 17th to the 20th century to non-European ethnic instruments, including Stradivari’s “Toscano” violin.
- Founded
- 1895
- Operated by
- Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission during opening hours from November to June. Guided tours (by appointment, minimum 8 people) are paid; the rate is not published.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum offers educational workshops for children, schools and private groups.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone (Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30); the entrance is at the foyer of the Sala Santa Cecilia.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop with guides and publications on the collection.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Sound guide on a handheld device (with listening to the sound of the instruments), to be hired at the bookshop. Guided tours are booked through the museum’s management, tel. +39 06 8024 2332 (minimum 8 people). Workshops for children, adults and schools, themed concerts, lectures and exhibitions are planned. |
