Royal College of Music Museum image

Royal College of Music Museum

Museum

One of the Top rated Museums in Westminster


Address

Prince Consort Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2BS, United Kingdom

Website

rcm.ac.uk

Contact

+44 20 7591 4300

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (42 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10:15 am to 5:45 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:15 am to 5:45 pm
  • Thursday: 10:15 am to 5:45 pm
  • Friday: 10:15 am to 5:45 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (12) instruments (12) Music (7) music (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Clive A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great music museum. A must visit if you're in the area.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam S. 2 years ago on Google
    Next time you're in South Kensington don't let the big, blockbuster museums upstage this treasure. Small but beautifully curated museum. The main collection is in three simple sections – Music Creation, Music Craft & Music Performance. In addition a third space upstairs hosts a changing programme of events (Hidden Treasures of the RCM when I was there but a new display is due in March/April '22). The blend of exhibits & tech is perfect - the audio guide headset syncs-up smoothly with the films on show and offers options for as much or as little commentary as you need. The exhibits are the stars, of course, with the oldest guitar in existence being a particular thrill. Really warm and friendly welcome and a very well-appointed courtyard for coffee, too. Will be back.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timothy M. 1 year ago on Google
    There to see the reopened museum, in a marvelous renovation of the building including an excellent open to all cafe. Museum cd hv been more extensive, but treasures there such as oldest guitar in existence 1581.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guy V. 2 years ago on Google
    Small and free exhibition inside the college showcasing several antique instruments from the 18th and 19th century. Some of the old instruments are even playable by visitors! And there's a playing room for kids with a bunch of modern instruments. Hung around after to listen to students practicing
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin 2 years ago on Google
    Last day of exhibition on RCM. Very happy to visit the museum and hear the music along the hall and practice room. Definitely worth visiting all the listed vintage instruments and walking through the curated presentations. If you go there the staffs are at the expert knowledgeable with high education received from honours, they will hand you the auxiliary audio devices to understand better with each history from each classic piece, very enjoyable in the Spectrum of infinite from music. Upstairs has a kids play room too might want to take your little ones for some trial and feeling on the instruments.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruijie SK C. 1 year ago on Google
    Fascinating museum with historical musical instruments and music related classical portraits in its collection. The audio guide added to the lovely musical experience. We came on a Friday close to lunch time and were invited to stay for a recital by a professional musician on the harpsichord and clavichord, which was such a treat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Minwoo K. 11 months ago on Google
    "Nestled in the lower level of the Royal College of Music building, you will find this quaint museum. While its size might be smaller than expected for those anticipating a vast collection of relics and information, it certainly doesn't disappoint in its offerings. The museum houses a selection of rare and fascinating musical instruments that are well worth exploring. Its compact size lends an intimate feel, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. The location within the prestigious Royal College of Music adds an element of authenticity and charm to the experience. Best of all, there's no need to book in advance - just drop in and delve into the unique world of music history that awaits within these walls.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Babak M. 8 months ago on Google
    First things first, had a very entertaining time there and would definitely recommend; there were some really interesting instruments as well as portraits. The written descriptions and the playable audios made it very informative and amusing, and I learned a lot about the history of the piano and guitar per se; however... The museum is not that big and would probably take less than an hour to browse. There is no snacks, drinks, or anything like that available, so I'd recommend visiting the coffee shop in Royal Albert Hall on the other side of the street before entering the museum. At the entrance to the museum you'll be handed a headset to listen to the sounds of the artworks and instruments, but the sound quality was terrible and noisy and in some cases, it was not possible to distinguish the words. The staff were very nice and respectful, thought one of them did not speak english! At the end of the tour and on the way out, I was given a gift -a poster of Niccolo Paganini- which I will cherish for eternity! To summarize, it is a must see, and you'd not be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 gammadark g. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to learn about the older styles of instruments, and a lovely cafe and atmosphere. Highly recommended if your near!

  • 5/5 Adnan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great official music academy, great educational teachers and great authentic inspirational college complex

  • 5/5 Heather K. 1 year ago on Google
    Was at the Royal College of Music for a National Suzuki event and realised they had a free collection which I enjoyed touring using the audio aids. The tiny violin were my favourite. Well worth a 30 minute detour as part of a bigger visit.

  • 5/5 Jan P. 1 year ago on Google
    Fab building & atmospheric. Music everywhereb ss you would expect. Good cafe.

  • 5/5 Samuel M. 5 months ago on Google
    Very interesting and free museum to know odd instruments guided by a nice free virtual guide

  • 5/5 Michael C. 6 months ago on Google
    A fascinating collection of rare and historical instruments

  • 5/5 Richard B. 5 months ago on Google
    Lovely, well presented small museum and great coffee shop upstairs.


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