The Academy Museum’s collections of instruments, art, photography, manuscripts and scores offer valuable insights into the creative processes of great musicians
Items on display include stringed instruments by Stradivari and the Amati family, historic keyboards by Broadwood, Pleyel and Erard, as well as scores and memorabilia that belonged to significant figures from the world of music.
The Museum is an integral part of Academy life. Engaging stories are told through its permanent galleries and programme of changing temporary displays. The Museum regularly holds lecture-recitals, seminars, workshops, special events and family activities, all open to the public for free.
The Museum opened in 2001, supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many of its collections have Designated status and the Museum itself is Accredited – both chartermarks of quality, awarded and administered by Arts Council England (ACE).
'This is an engaging space that not only illuminates the past, but also inspires for the future'
Dr Deborah Pritchard, composer and alumna
Mission and aims
The mission of the Museum is to support the work of the Academy and to advertise it to the wider public, highlighting the potential of music to inspire, unite and stimulate through performance, displays and research.
The strategic core aims of the museum are:
- To increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment of our collection of musical instruments, art, photographs, scores, manuscripts and other objects in the galleries and the wider Academy through lively and innovative displays, interpretation, outreach and programming.
- To support the culture of musical research and practice in the Academy and beyond through displays, events, collaboration and access to the collections.
- To provide access to the collections, and information about them, for users within the Academy and the wider public, using digital means as well as traditional methods.
- To enable active use of the collections today while responsibly preserving them for tomorrow.