Exhibition "Musical Instruments of the Peoples of the World"

About exhibition

The museum's collection of musical instruments is one of the largest and most significant in the world in terms of its scientific and historical value. It comprises over 3,000 exhibits and is continually growing. The exhibition presents about one thousand of the most interesting and culturally and historically valuable exhibits. Instruments from different historical periods, countries and continents are brought together here across time and space: traditional instruments of the peoples of the world, professional instruments of the European tradition, musical instruments that became widespread mainly in the amateur sphere, mechanical and early electronic instruments, and early examples of sound-recording and sound-reproducing devices. The traditional musical instruments on display are the most characteristic for each country, while at the same time bearing features common to the musical culture of entire regions. The professional instruments are represented by the most valuable specimens of great scientific and historical importance. Their sequence allows one to trace important stages in the development and refinement of particular types of instruments. Many instruments attract attention with the brightness and sophistication of their decorative finishes, and with the originality of their shapes or materials.