Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments
Our Mission
The Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of musical instruments from all cultures and periods. One of the foremost institutions of its kind, the Collection acquires, preserves, and exhibits musical instruments from antiquity to the present, and showcases restored examples in demonstrations and live performances.
The Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments also serves as a laboratory for historical, artistic, and innovative exploration and education in the arts and sciences. It is a renowned study and research collection for scholars, musicians, and instrument makers, and a world-class museum that engages the public in the fascinating history of musical instruments through exhibits, publications, concerts, and outreach initiatives.
History of the Collection
The Collection was established in 1900, when Morris Steinert presented his private collection to Yale. It continued to grow over the next century, thanks in large part to donations from alumni.
Early History: 1900–1960
In 1900, Morris Steinert, an entrepreneurial figure who played an important role in shaping New Haven’s music scene, gave his private musical instrument collection to Yale, consisting primarily of keyboard instruments, establishing the Collection.
Major Acquisitions and New Location: 1960–1970
The acquisition of the Belle Skinner Collection (1960) and the Emil Herrmann Collection (1962) established the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments as one of the world’s most important such repositories. It was once called a “collection of superlatives” by an enthusiastic admirer of the Skinner Collection. In 1961, the Collection was moved from its original location under the dome of Woolsey Hall to its present location in a Richardsonian Romanesque building at 15 Hillhouse Avenue.
Continuing Development: 1970–present
Since 1970, the Collection has nearly tripled in size, acquiring the Robyna Neilson Ketchum Collection of bells (1972) and the Andrew F. Petryn Collection of string instruments and bows (2013). Today, the Collection is comprised of more than 1,000 instruments and has helped scholars document the history of Western art music.
More at the Collection
From concerts to research to exhibitions, the Morris Steinert Collection of Musical Instruments is open to the public free of charge.
Concerts at the Collection
Plan Your Visit
Support and Join
Major gift renames Yale Collection of Musical Instruments, enables enhancements
The Belle Skinner Collection of Musical Instruments: Sixty years at Yale
