Visit a world class museum collection, right on your doorstep

The Horniman’s impressive array of musical instruments from the western classical tradition includes a large lute made by JC Hoffman, a contemporary of JS Bach’s in Leipzig, and an exquisite jewel box virginal, a keyboard instrument no bigger than a laptop. The often intriguing paths in the evolution of wind instruments are traced in the Carse display. While traditional British craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit are highlighted in exhibits devoted to Boosey & Hawkes and Wheatstone concertinas.