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.
In 2021, Yannick Wijnants of Atelier Herkenrode completed the restoration of the so-called 'Peter Benoit piano', a concert grand piano made by the firm Pleyel, Wolff & Cie in 1884. Thanks to the restoration, this masterpiece was once again playable.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Who were the members of the Duarte family? What was their profession? Who did they know? What role did their Jewish roots play? And what did music mean to them? Find out here.
We support craftsmanship by securing, documenting, protecting and encouraging instrument making. Together with makers and musicians, we create instruments and music. That way, our precious musical heritage stays alive.
