Historians & Collectors

Rijksmuseum Musical Instrument Collection – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Rijksmuseum Musical Instrument Collection – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Area of Expertise: Digital Archive Development, Dutch and European historical instruments, Flute & Wind Instrument History, Museum Curation, Rare Instrument Collections
Institution / Organization: Rijksmuseum
: Netherlands
: In 2015, the Rijksmuseum won the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA). | Its “Mission Masterpiece” exhibition was named International Exhibition of the Year by Museums + Heritage Awards.
Collection type: Museum Collection
Public Access: Open to the public (on-site & online)

ABOUT THIS COLLECTION:

The Rijksmuseum holds 700+ musical instruments spanning the Middle Ages to the 20th century, integrated within the national art and history galleries and searchable online.

Flutes in the Collection (selected highlights):

Richard Haka traverso, c.1680 (boxwood; stamped “R HAKA”) — a three-piece baroque flute with period features.

Bernard Hemsing alto flute, c.1730–1750 — rare Amsterdam-made transverse alto flute; on display.

Crystal (glass) transverse flute by Claude Laurent, 1807 — presented by King Louis Napoleon to flautist Louis Drouet (engraved dedication).

Strong recorder holdings by leading Dutch/French makers (e.g., Terton, Bressan) that contextualize Dutch woodwind craft of the 17th–18th centuries.

Public Access & Availability:

On-site: Instruments appear across collection displays; check gallery pages for current placements.

Online: Browse flutes/recorders and detailed object records via the Rijksmuseum’s collection site.

 

Baroque flutes Dutch woodwind collection Rijksmuseum

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