Musée de la musique - Collection permanente

To accompany the 30th anniversary of the Cité de la musique and the 10th anniversary of the Philharmonie in 2025, the Museum unveils the new presentation of its collection. More inclusive, the museography promotes the reconnection of musical heritages across the world, while highlighting their historical evolutions and contemporary dynamics.

A national museum boasting a collection of nearly 9,000 instruments and works of art, the Musée de la musique is an integral part of the daily life of the Philharmonie, nurturing its heritage ambition. The Museum indeed preserves one of the most important collections of instruments in the world, both in terms of rarity and diversity of objects. The Museum's new exhibition route unfolds a vast history of music worldwide, from the late 16th century to the present day. The collection illustrates the musical 'modernity' explored in Europe, from the Renaissance to contemporary and electronic experiments. In parallel, it highlights the richness and vitality of musical cultures from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. With this new, more inclusive museography, the route promotes the reconnection of musical heritages across the globe, while illustrating their historical evolutions and contemporary dynamics. The scenography includes multimedia devices. A musician, present every day in the Museum, brings this journey to life. They play, talk about their instrument, and interact with the public. During 'concert-promenades' or musical storytelling sessions organised on Sunday afternoons, all spaces buzz with words and sounds. At any time, a visit to the Museum, open to everyone, young and old, is a true musical experience!

Polyphony

The journey begins with a vast cabinet of curiosities, celebrating the diversity of the Museum's collection. Musical instruments from multiple eras and all origins stand alongside paintings, sculptures, or luthier's tools. These objects are remarkable for the craftsmanship of their creators, their unusual forms or decorations, their belonging to personalities from the musical world, or their historical importance.

Music and Power

In the 17th century, from Mantua to Versailles, as well as in North India or the Ottoman Empire, refined court music developed in the service of the