To the cookie settings To the main content To the footer

Open House: Where curiosity begins. 25 April

Bate Collection of Historical Musical Instruments and Archives

25 Apr 2026 11:00 - 18:00
25 Apr 2026
11:00 - 18:00
  • 25 Apr 2026
    11:00 - 18:00
    Schwarzman Centre, Oxford
    Bate Collection of Historical Musical Instruments and Archives
    Drop in

Welcome to the new Bate Collection of Historical Musical Instruments and Archives, home to musical objects from the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the present day.

Spanning centuries and reaching across the globe, the museum includes examples of string, woodwind, brass, percussion, and keyboard instruments. Here, history is not silent: many instruments are still played by students and musicians, bringing their voices vividly to life.

The museum is a unique treasure in the national and international landscape, and it represents a key resource for research-led performance and study for Oxford students, scholars, and musicians. Through exhibitions, events, teaching and research, the Bate Collection invites visitors to experience the rich material and sonic heritage of our historical instruments.

Be among the first to experience our new permanent exhibition, ‘Resonant Histories’, curated by Dr Emanuela Vai (Head of the Bate Collection and Curator of Permanent Exhibition). This new display invites to discover musical instruments not just as objects, but as living connections across time—shaped by craft, culture, and sound.

Part of Open House, a free festival day of performances and events open to everyone.

Part of

At Open House, you are welcome to explore our:

  • Performances: live events throughout the building
  • Education and Teaching: interactive education and handling sessions with selected instruments
  • Curation: a first look at ‘Resonant Histories’ and its exploration of sound, material, and craft
  • Research: showcase of current research projects

Whether you are a music lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious, this is your chance to experience instruments up close and hear the past come to life. Come and experience the sound of history in motion.

Exhibition Team
Curation: Dr Emanuela Vai
Design: Byung Kim
Build: Hopkins Architects
Installation: Ashmolean Museum

Explore more at Open House

Skip
Zoom in Zoom in Zoom in Zoom in Zoom in A selection of woodwind instruments Zoom in

Waiting list

Wish list

Added:

To wishlist