The Musical Instruments Museum, known as MIM, sits at Hofberg 2 in Brussels, in the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium. It is a museum of instruments from across the world, gathered in one place so that visitors can see how music has been made in very different cultures.
The building
The museum is housed in an Art Nouveau building, and its architecture is part of the visit. Many visitors come as much for the setting as for the collection, and the rooms make a pleasing counterpoint to the instruments on display.
The collection
The museum shows more than 8,000 musical instruments from around the globe. Because the collection spans many regions and periods, a walk through it can feel like a journey across continents and centuries. Visitors who enjoy comparing how different peoples have shaped sound from wood, metal, skin and bone will find plenty to look at.
Listening to the instruments
One of the most distinctive features is the audio guide, which lets you hear how the historical instruments actually sound. Rather than only reading about an instrument or looking at its shape, you can get a sense of its voice. This makes the visit especially engaging for anyone curious about how instruments were played, not just how they look.
What to know before you go
- The museum is located in Brussels, so it fits naturally into a visit to the city.
- Allow time for the audio guide, which is the way to hear the instruments.
- It suits music lovers, families and anyone interested in world cultures and design.
