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.
Two dance organs and a fairground organ from the Ghysels collection have received "Masterpiece" status. As such, they are recognised as exceptional heritage.
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.
Musician and instrument maker Justin Glaie produced a unique lute in 2021, at Museum Vleeshuis' request. This is an instrument of which examples have only survived in Flemish paintings from the first half of the 17th century.
