St Cecilia’s Hall – University of Edinburgh

ABOUT THIS COLLECTION

St Cecilia’s Hall is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall (1763) and the second oldest in the British Isles. Owned by the University of Edinburgh, it is home to the university’s world-renowned collection of historic musical instruments, officially recognized as a Collection of National Significance to Scotland.

The museum holds more than 6,000 instruments, with an emphasis on those no longer in regular use, spanning from the 16th to the 20th century. The collection was enriched by the Raymond Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments and has since grown through generous donations, including the Mirrey Collection.

The museum reopened in 2017 following a major redevelopment that restored its elegant elliptical concert room and created modern galleries, conservation studios, and education spaces. Today, visitors experience not only the historic instruments on display but also live concerts in the Sypert Concert Room, continuing the hall’s centuries-long tradition.

Flutes in the Collection:

St Cecilia’s Hall displays a significant selection of historic flutes and woodwinds, including Renaissance and Baroque traversos, early Classical instruments, and examples from Scottish makers. These flutes provide insight into the evolution of performance practice, construction, and repertoire in Britain and Europe.

Public Access & Visitor Experience:

On-site: Four galleries (Binks, 1812, Wolfson, Laigh) showcase instruments from all families — keyboards, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion.

Concerts: Regular chamber concerts and lunchtime recitals in the Sypert Concert Room.

Education & Outreach: Workshops, tours, and school programs connect the museum to the community.

Digital Access:

Online catalogue and digital guide available through the University of Edinburgh.

Select instruments accessible through Musical Instrument Museums Online (MIMO) and Google Arts & Culture.