The Sound of the City
Take a journey through the musical history of Antwerp and experience different forms of urban music through our permanent exhibition ‘Sounds of the City’. We begin in the courts and end up in the dance and concert halls. You will hear what songs were once played, see how the instruments were made, and be surprised by the evolution of music and dance.
Musicians and Carillon-players
The museum displays more than just musical instruments. It also tells the stories of the trumpet players, carilloneurs (a Carillon is an instrument made up of at least 23 bronze bells), musicians and ladies from the bourgeoisie. You dont just see everything, you hear it too, (how else in a music museum!): you enjoy music on the street, in the tower and kiosks, or in dance halls, churches and theaters.
The Antwerp Music Scene
Without instruments or music scores. Museum Vleeshuis also focuses the spotlight on new methods of printing music, instrument building workshops, and the first opera and concert halls. Antwerp played an increasingly important role in these musical developments – something we are obviously proud of.
Music for everyone
Music during Mass, or to dance to at a wedding. Marching music to keep the troops in line, or the carillon that divides the day into blocks of time as it chimes upon the hour. Music was – and still is – played by musicians for numerous reasons. It always played a crucial role in society and in the city. Museum Vleeshuis approaches music from a broad perspective. Not only is the music important, but above all, the story behind it.
