Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Musical Instruments Museum

The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Museum displays around 130 musical instruments and lutherie tools within a contemporary structure featuring glass walls and spacious galleries. The collection ranges from violins to rare historical instruments spanning different periods and cultures.

The collection started in 1895 as part of the Accademia, a musical institution founded by papal decree in 1585. The museum evolved over decades to preserve significant instruments that document the history of music performance in Italy.

The instruments here belonged to musicians across generations and tell the story of the craft traditions that keep these objects alive. Walking through the rooms, visitors see not just finished instruments but also the traces of the craftspeople who created and maintained them.

The museum sits in a modern complex with clear pathways and well-marked sections that are easy to navigate. Seating areas are available throughout the galleries if you want to rest or spend more time observing the pieces.

The museum has an open workshop area where specialists repair and maintain instruments while visitors watch the work happen. This activity shows how historical pieces are kept playable for future performances.

Location: Rome

Inception: 1895

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Website: http://museo.santacecilia.it/museo/cms.view?munu_str=0_0&numDoc=6

GPS coordinates: 41.92893,12.47479

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42