About the Collection
Tucked away above the famous Arms and Armor collection is one of the museum's most unique collections. Selections from the Met's collection of over five thousand instruments (a word interpreted very loosely at times) fill these beautiful galleries. Instruments from cultures around the world and throughout history are represented, from modern electric guitars to ancient drums. Just as the rest of the museum displays the contrasts and similarities of artistic progression throughout the world, the Musical Instrument collection reinforces the universality of music as a human pursuit and its many, many variations.
What You Will See
All of the famous names in instrument design are represented here, from Stradivari to Martin. But these are not necessarily the highlights. As an art museum, the collection is more about the beauty of the design rather than strictly technical excellence. You will appreciate more the ornamentation of pianos, the extravagance of guitars or the details engraved in brass. These are instruments meant to be seen as much to be played--though it is well-worth timing your visit with a concert played on pieces from the collection.
Why You Should Go
This is not one of the Met's larger or more famous collections, but a portion of your time spent here will be well-rewarded. Few other art museums include musical instruments in their collection. All other geographic collections have musical representation here, from Pacific Island bells to European violas to African drums. Whatever else you see at the Met can be appropriately supplemented by portions of this collection. The highlight, however, is the occasional concert performed on actual instruments from the collection. Plan accordingly.
