Exhibition
At the Kessels Museum, experience the multifaceted legacy of Mathieu Kessels and his famous musical instrument factory. The permanent exhibition shows musical instruments (mainly brass, wood, pianos and harmoniums), workbenches, workshop materials and tools, paraphernalia and sheet music. The exhibition is informative and interactive, allowing young and old alike to experience this musical heritage.
Next to the exhibition is the restoration workshop where volunteers are at work every day. Here one can watch the restoration of musical instruments. In the Keyboard Attic there are several pianos and harmoniums that can be played (with care). Also in the attic is the Music Lab, where young and old can make their own music. We have a large collection of musical instruments from all over the world that people can experiment with to their heart's content.
Dive into history!
Your visit starts on the ground floor; this is where the story of Mathieu Kessels begins. Via the extensive timeline, you slowly but surely dive into history and learn all about the musical instrument factory's arrival in Tilburg and everything it brought about.
The story continues on the first floor. There, you walk into the exhibition room, which immediately features a huge 'blow-up' of the letterhead on which 'court supplier' is proudly mentioned. You see two impressive displays of instruments: instruments that belong to the brass band (wind instruments and drums) and instruments that, with the addition of woodwinds (clarinet), belong to a concert band and a symphony orchestra. The latter category especially includes the strings and the bassoon. All these instruments were manufactured at the Kessels musical instrument factory. The only instrument that was not made and is therefore missing from the exhibition is the harp.
The interactive display brings heritage into the present and encourages children (as well as adults) to find out for themselves how tone and sound work. You will also find the restoration workshop, where various types of instruments, tools and machines are continuously being restored.
On the second floor one finds the keyboard loft. Here there are several pianos and harmoniums that can be played (with care). Also located here is the Music Lab, where young and old can make their own music. The large collection of instruments is ready to be played. Success guaranteed!
View the digital leaflet 'guided tour
