Foto: Frederik Beyens

Playable instruments

A number of musical instruments from the museum collection are often played by our sound experts. Several historic instruments have been restored to playable condition despite their age, while others have been created, each with their own story.

Dulcken harpsichord (1747)

Soundmaster Korneel Bernolet

Since 1967, Museum Vleeshuis has kept the magisterial Dulcken harpsichord on permanent loan from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp. Historic keyboard player Korneel Bernolet is an ambassador for the instrument.

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Table piano by Kadel (c.1827)

Soundmaster Thomas Boodts

Brussels piano maker Karel Kadel built the table piano in our collection around 1827. Pianist Thomas Boodts is an ambassador for the instrument.

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A Flemish lute (2023)

Soundmaster Justin Glaie

Since 2023, there has been a special lute in our collection, examples of which have only survived in Flemish paintings from the first half of the 17th century. Musician and instrument maker Justin Glaie produced the lute in 2021, at our request.

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Pleyel grand piano (1884)

Soundmaster Jeroen Malaise

Since 1967, Museum Vleeshuis has kept a superb grand piano by Pleyel, Wolff & Cie. Following a comprehensive restoration in 2020-2021, the instrument was once again playable. Belgian pianist-composer Jeroen Malaise is an ambassador for the 'Pleyel'.

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Pianoforte by Conrad Graf (1826)

Since 1967, Museum Vleeshuis has preserved and displayed one of the finest Viennese pianofortes in the world, a grand piano by Austrian-German piano-maker Conrad Graf.

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Related

Collection

Museum Vleeshuis displays musical instruments, craftsmanship and traditions from 800 years of musical life in Antwerp and Flanders. The museum collection comes to life in concerts, tours and workshops.

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