RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments
Collection of more than 300 historic instruments in the basement of the Royal Northern College of Music, open at lunchtime on two days a week in term time.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collection combines two earlier private collections. One was assembled by Dr Henry Watson (1846–1911), the other, smaller one by Josiah Thomas Chapman (1843–1907). Both came to the Royal Northern College of Music and now form its museum of historic instruments.
The holdings include more than 300 European and non-European instruments, with wind, string, keyboard and percussion types. A printed catalogue by William Waterhouse documents the collection.
The instruments are displayed in the basement of the College library building. Opening is limited to a lunchtime slot that matches the college’s free lunchtime concerts during term time.
Highlights
- More than 300 historic instruments
- Keyboard instruments by Broadwood
- Viols by Barak Norman and Collingwood
- Violins by Stradivari and Guarneri
- Wind instruments from the 18th and early 19th centuries
Permanent exhibition
- Collection of Historic Musical Instruments – More than 300 European and non-European wind, string, keyboard and percussion instruments, including pieces from the Watson and Chapman collections.
- Founded
- 1998
- Operated by
- Royal Northern College of Music
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- 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
The collection is in the basement of the Library building, reached by the staircase behind the Box Office or by the lift opposite the RNCM Library.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The college is at 124 Oxford Road; the collection is reached from the Booth Street West entrance.
Get directionsAmenities & 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
| Good to know | The collection is to the left of the main entrance on Booth Street West. Enquiries go to the Archive and Museum Manager or the Head of Library Services. |
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Museums nearby
Deaf Museum
Manchester Museum
Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections Museum
Pankhurst Museum
Whitworth
Castlefield Gallery
All 21 museums in Manchester All museums in North West England
