Museo nazionale degli strumenti musicali
State museum near San Giovanni in Laterano with over 3,000 musical instruments from antiquity to Futurism, largely from the collection of the tenor Evan Gorga.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museo nazionale degli strumenti musicali opened in 1974 near the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and Piazza Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. It stands in a green area that preserves the remains of the Palazzo Imperiale (Sessorio), the Anfiteatro Castrense and the Circo di Eliogabalo, and it is described as unique of its kind in the world.
The core of the collection comes from the private collection of the tenor Evan Gorga, to which other rare and precious instruments have been added over time. In total the holdings exceed 3,000 pieces and cover a period from antiquity to the Futurist era.
The route is organised in themed rooms devoted, among other things, to bowed instruments, the piano, harps, percussion, stringed instruments, the 19th-century military band and bagpipes; a special focus is the Arpa Barberini. For 2026 the museum also offers the route “Sinestesie dal Mondo”, which it describes as inclusive and accessible.
Highlights
- Over 3,000 musical instruments from antiquity to Futurism
- Evan Gorga collection, the core of the museum
- Arpa Barberini
- Rooms on bowed instruments, pianos, harps, percussion and the 19th-century band
- “Sinestesie dal Mondo” route (2026)
Permanent exhibition
- Collezione degli strumenti musicali – Over 3,000 musical instruments in themed rooms, from the core of the Gorga collection to harps, pianos, percussion and the 19th-century band.
- Founded
- 1974
- Operated by
- Direzione Musei statali della città di Roma (Ministero della Cultura)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2EU citizens aged 18 to 25 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under 18s. |
Free admission: First Sunday of the month (free paper tickets available at the totem or bookable online).
The museum accepts RomaPass and Roma&piùPass. The ticket is valid for one entry on the booked day and must be validated with the QR code. It is bought at the totem at the entrance (card payment) or via the app and the “Musei Italiani” portal, up to 25 per transaction. Individual booking is optional.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups from 10 people: booking required by e-mail, maximum 20 people plus the guide. Schools: booking required by e-mail with a nominal list of students. Tour guides can call 06 32810 (Monday to Friday 9:30–18:00) or write to info@tosc.it; private guides can call 06 701 4796 (every day 9:00–18:00). The museum hosts concerts, series, exhibitions and lectures; admission tickets do not guarantee access to these events, so booking is recommended. |
