The aim of the foundation is to manage and maintain the collection of the former Music Instrument Factories of Mathieu Kessels and Sons in Tilburg, recognised by the municipality of Tilburg. This collection also includes the music books and print works of the printing/publishing company. The foundation also aims to open up and present the collection to a broader public. The foundation is classified as an Institution for General Benefit (ANBI nr 809072348) and is affiliated with the Museum Association.
Policy
Mathieu Kessels was an innovative manufacturer of musical instruments with a big heart for social aspects of his employees. He was also a composer, publisher of sheet music, organiser of competitions and founder of national organisations in the music world. His factory produced almost all types, musical instruments, brass and woodwind instruments, string and percussion instruments, pianos, pianolas, harmoniums and all kinds of props for musicians, brass bands and harmonies.
As a stimulator of Tilburg and Southern Dutch music life and one of Tilburg's largest employers, Kessels is an important and authentic part of Tilburg's cultural heritage. The Stichting Muziekinstrumentenmakersmuseum, Kessels for short, collects, preserves, classifies, describes, conserves and restores this heritage. It exhibits it and disseminates information about it in word, image and writing.
Read the Annual Policy Plan 2023 (pdf) here
Activities
During fixed opening hours during the week, visitors are welcomed and shown around the instruments, tools, machines and records on display and visit the museum's restoration workshops. Outside these fixed hours, groups are welcomed and guided by appointment.
Besides the permanent core exhibition, a changing part of the collection is included in a themed exhibition every year. On an ongoing basis, the tools, machines, instruments, music pieces, catalogues, photos, etc. are further classified, described and included in the database.
Where necessary, machines, tools and musical instruments are restored or conserved, in the Kessels museum's various workshops.
Non-Kessels instruments are also made playable here and made available for music education or the KidsMusicLab.
More info
For more info on objectives, the Kessels Museum's statutes and annual report, visit this page.
