Mandolin music has a rich and storied history, and many museums around the world are dedicated to preserving the instruments, artifacts, and cultural heritage of this beloved instrument. From the United States to Europe and beyond, there are numerous mandolin museums where visitors can learn about the history and evolution of this iconic instrument, as well as hear its beautiful music played live.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best mandolin museums in the world, including both general music museums with significant mandolin collections and mandolin-specific museums.
10 Best Mandolin Museums
- The Mandolin Museum and Hall of Fame (Oklahoma, USA) – this museum is dedicated entirely to the mandolin and features an extensive collection of mandolins, vintage photos, and other artifacts related to mandolin history and culture.
- The Mandolin Museum “La Civetta” (Milan, Italy) – this museum features a large collection of antique mandolins, including instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as contemporary mandolins from around the world.
- The Italian Mandolin Museum (Naples, Italy) – this museum showcases the history and development of the mandolin in Italy, featuring a collection of rare and unique mandolins, as well as memorabilia and documentation related to mandolin music and culture.
- The Mandolin Banjo Hall of Fame Museum (Oklahoma, USA) – this museum celebrates the mandolin-banjo, a hybrid instrument that was popular in the early 20th century. The museum features a large collection of mandolin-banjos, as well as other vintage stringed instruments.
- The Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra Museum (Tokyo, Japan) – this museum features a collection of mandolins, guitars, and other instruments used in mandolin and guitar orchestras, a popular musical tradition in Japan. The museum also hosts concerts and other events showcasing traditional and contemporary mandolin music.
- The National Mandolin Historical Museum (Rhode Island, USA) – this museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the mandolin in the United States, featuring an extensive collection of mandolins, mandolin-banjos, and other stringed instruments.
- The Mandolin Brothers Museum (New York, USA) – this museum features a collection of vintage mandolins, guitars, and other stringed instruments, as well as historic photos, documents, and other memorabilia related to the history of mandolin music.
- The Pacific Northwest Mandolin Museum (Washington, USA) – this museum features a collection of antique and contemporary mandolins from around the world, as well as other stringed instruments and related artifacts.
- The Mandolin Music Museum (Tennessee, USA) – this museum showcases the history and culture of mandolin music in the United States, featuring a collection of vintage mandolins, rare recordings, and other memorabilia related to the mandolin and its place in American music.
- The Mandolin Archive (California, USA) – this online museum features an extensive collection of mandolins, mandolin-banjos, and other vintage stringed instruments, as well as information and resources related to the history and culture of mandolin music. While it is not a physical museum, it provides a valuable resource for mandolin enthusiasts and researchers.
Whether you’re a seasoned mandolin player or simply a lover of music, visiting one of these mandolin museums can be a fascinating and enriching experience. From the vintage instruments on display to the concerts and events showcasing the music of the mandolin, these museums offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of this unique instrument. Whether you’re exploring the museums of Europe or touring the United States, be sure to put one or more of these top mandolin museums on your itinerary.
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