Our Tuneful Heritage

This catalog highlights over sixty American musical instruments, most drawn from the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Each instrument, whether toy or masterpiece, offers us much more than just sound. Through their varied forms and functions, each embodies some meaningful aspect of American life: immigration, acculturation, nationalism and warfare, handicraft and industry, entertainment and worship, tradition and innovation. These instruments have evolved to serve complex social purposes that continue to change over the years. Even when silent, their designs, materials, and decorations, reflect our multifaceted culture.