Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

In 1796, more than 300 instruments confiscated from emigrants were deposited at the Conservatoire de Paris, although the majority had now disappeared. These revolutionary seizures mark the beginnings of a public collection, long before the official creation of a museum.

In 1861, the state acquired the collection of composer Clapisson and founded the instrumental museum of the Conservatoire, the first space open to the public. This museum preserves rare instruments, including 16th-17th century book cones or Venetian lutes, reflecting the evolution of the European instrumental bill.

The Cité de la musique was created in 1993 by Decree No. 93-15, replacing in 1995 the original text with Decree No. 95-1300. This public institution (EPIC) then integrates the collections of the Conservatoire and the instrumental museum, while extending its missions to contemporary music and instruments of the world. The present museum, designed by architect Franck Hammoutène over 3,000 m2, exhibits 800 pieces, from Stradivarius to accordions, and electro-acoustic instruments.

The building, designed by Christian de Portzamparc, is located in the Parc de la Villette. His museography, signed by Henri Loyrette, showcases emblematic instruments such as the coppers of Adolphe Sax or the French pianos of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as a collection of 400 extra-European instruments, mostly Asian.

Collection

Le Musée de la Philharmonie de Paris possède une prestigieuse collection de plusieurs milliers d'instruments et d'objets d'art, héritière de celle du Conservatoire de musique, qui retrace l'histoire de la musique occidentale, savante et populaire, du XVIe siècle à nos jours tout en offrant un large aperçu des principales musiques du monde..

External links