© Frederik Beyens

The grand piano by Pleyel

Google Arts & Culture

In 1884, the Parisian piano-maker Pleyel, Wolff & Cie finished work on a magnificent grand piano. Ten years later, the instrument arrived in Antwerp, and ever since it has been inextricably linked to Peter Benoit, then director of the Antwerp Conservatory. 

Peter Benoit-pleyel

Since 1967, Museum Vleeshuis has kept this 'Benoit-Pleyel' in the museum. The instrument became unplayable over the years and was restored to playable condition. In 2020-2021, Yannick Wijnants of Atelier Herkenrode completed the restoration thanks to the support of the Peter Benoit Fund. Music lovers can now once again discover the warm sound of this magnificent instrument.

In this tour

You will discover the story behind the Pleyel grand piano, its inextricable link with Antwerp and its restoration.

Dive into the story

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