Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
heart-solid My Visit Donate
Home Smithsonian Institution IK development site for ODI
Press Enter to activate a submenu, down arrow to access the items and Escape to close the submenu.
    • Overview
    • Museums and Zoo
    • Entry and Guidelines
    • Museum Maps
    • Dine and Shop
    • Accessibility
    • Visiting with Kids
    • Group Visits
    • Overview
    • Exhibitions
    • Online Events
    • All Events
    • IMAX & Planetarium
    • Overview
    • Topics
    • Collections
    • Research Resources
    • Stories
    • Podcasts
    • Overview
    • For Caregivers
    • For Educators
    • For Students
    • For Academics
    • For Lifelong Learners
    • Overview
    • Become a Member
    • Renew Membership
    • Make a Gift
    • Volunteer
    • Overview
    • Our Organization
    • Our Leadership
    • Reports and Plans
    • Newsdesk
heart-solid My Visit Donate

Musical Treasures at the Smithsonian

Smithsonian Music

From Louis Armstrong's trumpet to Grandmaster Flash's turntable and from a Central African harp to an Apache violin, these objects represent just a sampling of how music is collected, curated and studied at the Smithsonian. Explore these photographs, objects, and artifacts that help explain how music infuses our everyday life, brightening it with its sounds and beats.


Blind Musician

A Winter Party

Patsy Cline's Costume

Collar bell with masks (taotie)

Selena's Leather Outfit

Guitar

Guitar

Music for Smithsonian Polka by W. Bergman

E-mu SP-12 Drum Machine

Forever Latin Music Legends: Tito Puente single

Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene"

Jacket worn by Michael Jackson during Victory tour

Banjo Chair

Cigar Box Guitar

"God Bless America"

Wurlitzer Electric Piano

George Brecht letter to Joseph Cornell

Jacket and pants worn by MC Hammer in music video for "They Put Me in the Mix"

Pair of white and black Run-D.M.C. Superstar 80s sneakers made by Adidas

Leopard Coat, worn by Ella Fitzgerald

Gretsch G6138 "Bo Diddley" model rectangular guitar owned by Bo Diddley

Dulcken Double Manual Harpsichord

George Antheil letter to John Henry Bradley Storrs with enclosed broadside

Stradivarius Violin: "The Ole Bull"

Shiva Vinadhara (Holder of the Lute)

Bob Dylan

Vinaccia Guitar

Yo Yo Ma

Martin Guitar, used by Libba (Elizabeth) Cotten

The King and I Mask

Gibson Old Hickory Electric Guitar

Puyero de Güiro

Felt hat with medallion worn by Bo Diddley

Banjo created for Charles P. Stinson

Dance Rattle

Cupcake Katy


  1. First page First
  2. Previous page Previous
  3. Page 1
  4. Current page 2
  5. Page 3
  6. Next page Next
  7. Last page Last
arrow-up Back to top
Home
  • Facebook facebook
  • Instagram instagram
  • LinkedIn linkedin
  • YouTube youtube

  • Contact Us
  • Get Involved
  • Shop Online
  • Job Opportunities
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Inspector General
  • Records Requests
  • Accessibility
  • Host Your Event
  • Press Room
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use