Museum of Musical Instruments, Musical instrument museum in Sforza Castle, Milan, Italy
The Museum of Musical Instruments sits within Sforza Castle and houses about 700 instruments spanning five centuries of European music-making. The collection ranges from Renaissance violins and woodwinds to pianos and historic organs.
The museum opened in 1958 and received a major boost in 2000 with the addition of nearly 80 instruments from a private collection. This expansion significantly strengthened its holdings and reputation as a key institution for music history.
The collection emphasizes instruments from the Lombardy region, including Cremona violins and hunting horns crafted by Italian makers. These pieces reflect the area's deep connection to European musical traditions and instrument-making heritage.
Visits are possible most days of the week, and entry is free during certain afternoon hours. Plan time to walk through the different sections and explore instruments displayed at various heights and in different rooms.
The collection includes equipment from the former electronic music studio of Milan's radio station. These pieces document how music recording and production technology changed throughout the twentieth century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
