As a musician or music enthusiast, visiting musical instrument museums can be an inspiring experience. These museums offer a fascinating look into the history of music, showcase rare and iconic instruments, and let visitors immerse themselves in the world of sound.
The United States is home to dozens of incredible music museums, each with unique collections that celebrate musical craftsmanship and history. To help you plan your next trip, here are the top musical instrument museums in the US that every music lover should visit.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is renowned worldwide for its extensive and diverse collections of art objects from different cultures and periods. In addition to this vast range of art pieces, the museum boasts over 5,000 musical instruments from all around the world. From ancient Egyptian harps to modern electric guitars, The Met’s collection covers many periods and cultures.
Website: https://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/musical-instruments
The Met is not just a world-renowned art museum but also an impressive collection of over 5,000 musical instruments worldwide. From ancient Egyptian harps to modern electric guitars, the Met’s collection covers many periods and cultures.
The National Music Museum, Vermillion, South Dakota
The National Music Museum in Vermillion, South Dakota boasts one of the largest collections of musical instruments globally. Home to over 15,000 instruments dating back centuries ago up until recent times, NMM has become a favorite among musicians worldwide. It includes early keyboard instruments to iconic rock and roll guitars such as Les Pauls and Fenders.
Website: https://www.nmmusd.org/
As mentioned, the NMM is home to over 15,000 instruments, making it one destination you must visit. The museum’s collection includes early keyboard instruments to iconic rock and roll guitars. The collections account for various musical instruments, from accordions to zithers. All of the musical instruments are available not only at the museum but also online in their eMuseum exhibition; visit it here: https://emuseum.nmmusd.org
The Museum of Making Music, Carlsbad, California
In contrast, The Museum of Making Music located in Carlsbad California is dedicated mostly to American-made instruments and their makers’ history. Thus, people who love American music will enjoy this museum more than others. Visitors will have a hands-on experience with historical devices such as guitars and drums that accompanied legendary bands of different eras like Gibson Guitars.
Website: https://www.museumofmakingmusic.org/
This museum is dedicated to the history of American-made instruments and the people who made them. The museum’s collection includes rare and historic instruments from some of the biggest names in music, such as Gibson, Fender, and Ludwig. The galleries are pleasant and walkable, with a lot of story information on their walls about music production, types of equipment, and the industry in general. You can even try some musical instruments yourself!
Why Visit a Musical Instrument Museum?
Exploring a musical instrument museum is not just about viewing objects — it’s about connecting with the people, sounds, and innovations that shaped the way we experience music today. Whether you’re a performer, collector, or simply a curious listener, visiting one of these museums helps you appreciate the diverse heritage of musical instruments.
So next time you’re traveling across the U.S., make sure to add one of these music museums to your must-visit list.
