What happens to instruments not on display?
They are kept in an air-conditioned store with lighting control.
Are the instruments in the collection ever played?
Only very occasionally. This scientific institution's mission is primarily to conserve its patrimony for later generations and use of the instruments in an artistic context would be at odds with that mission.
I have an instrument. Can anyone from the MIM tell me what it is worth?
The MIM is not allowed to value instruments, but we can tell you if we would be interested should you consider gifting it or selling it to the MIM. Contact us via info@mim.be.
I want to gift or sell an instrument to the MIM. How do I go about this?
Contact us via info@mim.be. In the first instance, the relevant curator will consider whether or not your proposal would add substantially to our already very extensive collection. The case is then discussed in a scientific meeting. Where a gift or sale is agreed, an official contract is drawn up. Please note that the MIM never guarantees to put items on show.
I have a musical instrument but I don't know what it is or how to play it. Whose advice can I ask?
Contact us via info@mim.be. Please give us as much information as possible and a picture of the instrument.
I have invented a new instrument. Who can I show it to?
Contact us via info@mim.be. In the first instance, the relevant curator will consider whether or not your proposal would add substantially to our already very extensive collection. The case is then discussed in a scientific meeting. Where a gift or sale is agreed, an official contract is drawn up. Please note that the MIM never guarantees to put items on show.
I have some old recording and reproduction equipment. Might the MIM be interested in it?
Though we do have some reproduction equipment, this is not the MIM's speciality. However, you can send a message to info@mim.be.
I have piano rolls / wax cylinders / vinyl records / tapes / cassettes. Might the MIM be interested in them?
This is unlikely but send details anyway. Send a message to info@mim.be.
Who can I contact for photographs, videos and sound recordings of musical instruments?
For photographs, send us an email to imagestudio@kmkg-mrah.be. For sound recordings, send your email to bib1@kmkg-mrah.be. The MIM does not have a video archive but you can view MIM's homemade videos on our YouTube channel.
Does the MIM provide technical drawings of instruments?
Yes, for some we do. Please reach the museumshop.
How many people visit the MIM each year?
On average 125,000 people visit the museum every year. Group visits, especially from schools, make up some 15% of the total number of visitors.
How would you describe the typical visitor to the MIM?
Typically the MIM attracts better educated adults aged between 25 and 65, often in couples or small groups. The age group tends to be younger at 'nocturnes' and special events.
A staggering 72% of visitors to the MIM are foreigners; consequently, the percentage of return visitors is low (13%). Most of the Belgians come from the Brussels Region (48%), most of the foreigners from France (28%), UK (13%), the Netherlands (7%), the USA, Germany, Spain and Italy (each approx. 6%).
Is the MIM a municipal, provincial, regional or federal museum?
The MIM is a federal scientific institution, 4th department of the Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH). The RMAH is one of the group of four large federal museums, along with the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, the Royal Museum for Central Africa and the Fine Arts Museum.
Does the MIM organise its own concerts?
Currently, the museum does not organise its own concert series. However, we work with external partners so that live music can be heard! There are concerts for which you have to pay but there are also many free performances. You can find all the details in the calendar.
Can I organize a concert at the MIM?
Yes it's possible. Send an email with your proposal to public@kmkg-mrah.be.
Does the MIM hire out musical instruments?
No. Items in the collection never leave the museum to be played. The only time they leave is as loans to temporary exhibitions.
Can the MIM give me information about musicians?
We suggest you try out the following online databases : Kunstenpunt (pop and classical music), Muziekmozaïek (folk and jazz) and Centre Belge d'Action Interculturelle (world music). You can also get interesting information at Conseil de la Musique.
Can the MIM provide me with details of instrument makers?
As a public institution we are not allowed to do that, but you can find more information at schools of instrument making like in Boom (string instruments and guitar), Bruges (guitar), Ghent, Marche-en-Famenne (strings), Puurs-Sint-Amands (strings, guitar, keyboards) and Wavre (guitar).
Can I eat or drink something in the museum?
It is not allowed to eat or drink in the exhibition rooms but the building provides a picnic area where you can have your own meal. The place can also be reserved for groups. To make a group reservation, please in touch with the box office via reservations@kmkg-mrah.be. The museum restaurant is currently closed for renovation.