Musée de la musique - Collection permanente

To mark 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 encourages the reconnection of musical heritages across the world, while highlighting their historical developments and contemporary dynamics.

A national museum with a collection of nearly 9,000 instruments and works of art, the Musée de la musique is fully part of daily life at the Philharmonie, whose heritage ambitions it nurtures.

The Museum indeed holds one of the most important ensembles of instruments in the world, both for the rarity and the diversity of its objects. The Museum's new route unfolds a broad history of music around the world, 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. It highlights in parallel the richness and vitality of the musical cultures of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas.

With this new, more inclusive museography, the route encourages the reconnection of musical heritages across the world, while illustrating their historical developments and contemporary dynamics. The scenography includes multimedia installations.

A musician, present every day in the Museum, brings this route to life. He plays, talks about his instrument and engages with the public. During the concert-walks or musical storytelling sessions held on Sunday afternoons, every space rings with words and sounds.

At all times, the visit to the Museum, open to all, young and old, is a true musical experience! Polyphonie The route begins with a vast cabinet of curiosities, celebrating the diversity of the Museum's collection.

Musical instruments from many periods and of all origins sit alongside paintings, sculptures or luthiers' tools.

These objects are remarkable for the craftsmanship of their makers, their unusual forms or decoration, their links to figures of the musical world, or their historical importance.