Stiftelsen Musikkulturens Främjande

About the museum

The Stiftelsen Musikkulturens Främjande (Foundation for the Promotion of Music Culture) was founded in 1920 by Rudolf Nydahl (1882–1973). He had trained as a naval officer and served in the coastal artillery, and after being forced to sell the family’s wine business when the state wine monopoly was introduced in 1919, he bought residential properties in Stockholm and then devoted himself to his passion for music. The first permanent instrument exhibition opened on his 85th birthday, 23 June 1967, on one floor on Torstenssonsgatan. The museum in the basement at Riddargatan 37 came into being in 1979, a few years after his death.

The collection is entirely devoted to classical music and holds instruments from the 16th century onwards, with an emphasis on the 19th century. Nydahl collected on journeys on the Continent, and French music and French instruments hold a central place, as do Georges Bizet and his circle. Nydahl was a friend of the sculptor Carl Milles, and some of his sculptures are in the museum.

The museum’s rooms are furnished by period: the Swedish room as a Stockholm salon of the 19th century, the 18th-century room with clavichords and harpsichords, the 19th-century room with a Pleyel grand piano from 1844 that belonged to Chopin, the Wind Instrument Room and the large Concert Hall. The archive holds a unique collection of manuscripts and letters that is available to researchers. The foundation also arranges regular concerts.

Highlights

• Pleyel grand piano from 1844 that belonged to Frédéric Chopin
• The Swedish room with a clavichord from 1808 and a flute from 1795
• The Concert Hall with an Austrian baroque organ from around 1670
• Objects that belonged to Georges Bizet and sculptures by Carl Milles
• Collection of manuscripts and letters for researchers
• Regular chamber music concerts

Permanent exhibitions

• Svenska rummet – A room furnished as a Stockholm salon of the 19th century, with Swedish instruments, furniture that belonged to Franz Berwald, a clavichord from 1808 and a flute from 1795.
• 1800-talsrummet – Virtuosité et grand opéra – The Romantic era, with a Pleyel grand piano from 1844 that belonged to Chopin, objects that belonged to Georges Bizet and a bust by Carl Milles.
• Konsertsalen – The museum’s largest room, with keyboard instruments from the 17th to the 20th century, harps, viola da gamba, an Austrian baroque organ and an Italian theorbo.

Founded

1967

Operated by

Stiftelsen Musikkulturens Främjande

Admission & discounts

Tours on weekdays 10:00–16:00 cost SEK 100 per person. Holders of an ICOM card have free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

According to the website, the museum is not adapted for accessibility; visitors with questions are asked to get in touch.

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

• Museum shop

Museum shop with records and publications.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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