Absolutely wonderful museum and experience! Volunteers are extremely passionate and informed about the exhibits and their demonstrations show off everything the beautifully maintained instruments are capable of. Must visit for anyone remotely interested in music, history or woodworking.
Such a great tour by Colin. So interesting hearing about the history of the piano, fabulous pieces on show even if you’re not that musical. Thoroughly recommend the FREE tour.
Beautiful little museum, worth a visit! Great explanation and demonstration! Impressive collection of instruments (that are beautifully preserved and still work perfectly!). Entrance is free, but definitely worth to make a donation!
It is the first music museum I have been to and my favorite music museum in the UK so far. It is a combo of concert hall and music museum which belongs to the University of Edinburgh. The exhibit is so amazing, in addition to displaying some native British instruments, there are many French, Italian, German and even other foreign instruments. Originally, the piano without art painting is the piano of the common people, and the piano with art painting is the piano of the nobility. I love the harpsichord (picture 6), with Greek mythology hidden inside the lid, flowers painted on the sound board, a art about Chinese market depicted on the outside, and the piano legs are gilt in gold color. The German curator of the museum explained because that the harpsichord was bought by the French aristocrats and they chose the pattern themselves, and they hired several different painters, that’s why the finished product eventually presented in different patterns and styles, but in fact, there were many 17 century’s harpsichords and pianos of the French aristocrats like this. Thanks to her very much patient explanation, I felt so educated today. They said people can next book a tour guide online in advance, which I will do so next time when I come back, so that I can learn more interesting musical instrument history.
A beautiful hidden gem in Edinburgh. Fascinating history of musical instruments. Spent a very interesting 40 minutes with gallery guide Dona in the keyboard gallery, she was very informed and gave many insights to the history and evolution of keyboard instruments. A must visit if you play music, love music or have an enquiring mind.
An absolute gem of a place nestled just off Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It is architecturally beautiful and the inside Concert Hall is one to experience.
This hall and music museum is really underrated. This is a really nice small place showcasing different vintage harpsichords and clavichords from different ages, with histories behind them. On the ground floor there are many orchestra and unique instriments as well. The staffs were lovely and welcoming. Christine was very knowledgeable, she was explaining histories and techniques behind these classic instruments. I really enjoyed my visit here.
Absolutely wonderful for anyone interested in historical instruments, and (for me) especially their harpsichord collection. I was able to get all my questions answered and am incredible amount of historic and musical information whilst visiting from Dr. Jenny Nex, who has a fascinating and broad knowledge and is passionate, interesting, kind, and patient with my many questions.
Wonderful hidden gem. The museum and performance space are beautiful. Fascinating collection of musical instruments.
St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum is located at 50 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK
You can contact St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum at +44 131 650 2600
You can find directions to St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum by following this map link