Historians & Collectors

Musical Instrument Collection – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
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Musical Instrument Collection – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Area of Expertise: Archival Manuscripts & Letters, Museum Curation, Rare Instrument Collections
Institution / Organization: Museum of Fine Arts
: United States
: Recognized as one of the most significant encyclopedic museum collections of musical instruments in the United States.
Collection type: Digital Archive, Museum Collection
Public Access: Open to the public (on-site & online)

ABOUT THIS COLLECTION

The Musical Instrument Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston holds over 1,100 instruments spanning from ancient times to the late 20th century. The collection includes masterpieces from Europe and America as well as significant instruments from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.

Among its holdings are flutes, piccolos, fifes, vessel flutes, panpipes, and recorders, representing the diversity of flute traditions across cultures and centuries. Highlights include instruments by renowned makers such as Meacham & Pond and a flute labeled Drouet, alongside a wide array of wind, string, percussion, and keyboard instruments.

Public Access & Availability:

On-site: Instruments are regularly displayed in museum galleries and featured in special exhibitions.

Programs: Visitors can experience the collection through talks, live demonstrations, concerts, and related events.

Digital Access: Online resources include selected images, technical drawings, publications, and videos via the MFA’s website and YouTube channel.

flute collection museum Museum of Fine Arts Boston

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