MIM Brussels

🎶 In the Spotlight | October 600 sanzas. 50 years of passion. One extraordinary collection. Discover the fascinating “thumb pianos” of François & Françoise Boulanger-Bouhière and the musical traditions they represent. 🌍🎵 👉 fearly.eu/oTfAC5

📸 In the spotlight | September 2026 Henri Lebrun: instrument maker… and revolutionary? 🇧🇪 This 1894 photograph shows 38 former volunteers of the Belgian Revolution of 1830. But what role did Lebrun actually play? Read more 👉 frly.eu/50ClEo

🦔 What if an armadillo shell became a musical instrument? This month, discover the Andean charango at the MIM, a South American cousin of the Spanish guitar. Our Peruvian example still features a traditional armadillo shell. Read more: 👉frly.eu/GtTdoU

🎹 The MIM at Brussels Royal Palace 👑 This summer, the MIM joins the Royal Palace of Brussels for “Music, Sound & Imagination”, organised by @belspo 📅 3 Jul–16 Aug 2026 📍 Grand Gallery Discover exceptional instruments: harp & 2 remarkable pianos. 👉 frly.eu/XKa5wv

This month, the MIM highlights the piano-viole, inspired by an idea attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and built in Brussels in 1835 by Herman Lichtenthal. Rediscovered after 150 years, it was restored at the MIM. Read more👉 frly.eu/cIxmyf

🎺 This month, the MIM highlights a Mangbetu ivory horn (nambrose), carved 1915–1930. Used in court life (present-day DRC), it signaled events and authority, with a powerful sound evoking voices and nature. A rare link between art, sound & history. 👉 cut2.eu/oI104S

🎙️ New MIM Podcast For the 75th Queen Elisabeth Competition (cello), the MIM welcomes EKHO founders Victor Bernard & Joanne van Bosterhaut. 🎧 Lutherie & bow making. 🎻 Exhibition 26–30 May 🎼 Masterclasses 28–30 May ✨ Free events Listen: frly.eu/OG7jHM

🎻 In the spotlight this month: a double bass by Brussels luthier Benoît-Joseph Boussu (1703–1773). Brought in via the Fonds Léon Courtin – Marcelle Bouché & King Baudouin Foundation. More info👉 frly.eu/17kRxc

🎻In the Spotlight – April 2026 What if a single string could tell a story? ✨ The orutu, iconic to Kenya’s Luo community, bridges tradition & modernity with its voice-like sound—a living symbol of #culturalheritage. Read more: microlnk.de/r/346u6LwR #AfricanMusic

🎹 Stem op de piano-luthéal van het MIM in de wedstrijd “Museumstuk van het Jaar 2026”! Uit 1919, gebruikt door Maurice Ravel 🎼 💛 Laat het schitteren en maak kans op een citytrip voor twee 🗳️ 👉frly.eu/Pnn2TF

🎹 Votez pour le piano-luthéal du MIM au concours “Chef-d’œuvre de l’Année 2026” ! Inventé en 1919, utilisé par Maurice Ravel 🎼 💛 Faites-le briller et tentez de gagner un citytrip pour deux 🗳️ 👉 frly.eu/3PsSFs

🎹 Last night, the MIM’s luthéal shone at the Royal Palace of Brussels during the Spring Concert 👑 Used by the Fratres Trio, this rare instrument was exceptionally lent by the museum. 📺 RTBF 21 Mar 22:40 | VRT 19 Apr 11:15 📸 © Palais Royal – Loan Silvestre

🎹 In the spotlight at the MIM this month: the Ondes Martenot! Invented in 1928, it whispers, soars, and shaped music from classical to Radiohead. More info 👉tinyurl.com/348t9zh6

📚 Wikipedia-schrijfsessie @ MIM 🗓️ Zondag 8 maart 2026 ✍️ Help verhalen van vrouwen in muziek & erfgoed zichtbaar te maken! 💻 Laptop meenemen | 📝 Geen ervaring nodig 🗣️ NL | 🤝 Met FARO | 👥 Max 20 | Gratis 👉 Inschrijven: tinyurl.com/mvate8bf

This month, the MIM spotlights the lotar, a Berber lute from Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Played by itinerant Rwais musicians, it brings songs, dances & life stories to life - still thriving alongside modern instruments like the banjo & guitar. 👉tinyurl.com/27ayhdbz

Experience Unmuting the Manza at MIM, Brussels (Jan 27–Feb 1) - an immersive tribute to the Azande chiefs’ xylophone by Adilia Yip & Edward Dekeyser. 📅 Jan 27: Opening + live perf 📅 Jan 31: Multisensory workshop ⚠️ Closed Jan 28 | Free entry other days 👉tinyurl.com/mwjs8hnj

Rediscover the MIM’s wax cylinders! 🎶 70 rare recordings from Belgium & beyond are now online: Greek songs, Bengali music, Provençal fifes & drums… and more! 🔗 Read more: tinyurl.com/455f2ewk

🔦 Mystery at the MIM: a 1972 jarana with a gourd body, a rectangular sound hole, and a neck that protrudes. Attributed to the Lacandón of Chiapas, whose music is mostly vocal. So… where did this unique jarana come from? 🪕 🔗 Full story: tinyurl.com/27mh9p9x