The »Musikinstrumenten-Museum Berlin« collects instruments of the European classical music tradition from the 16th to the 21th century. At this time the museum owns nearly 3.500 instruments, many of which are playable. About 800 instruments are on display in the permanent exhibition. In its diversity it is one of the most representative collections in Germany.
The complete collection has been made accessible through special scholarly catalogues and other publications related to the study of musical instruments as well as the Jahrbuch (Yearbook) of the Institute. The research conducted in the restoration laboratories is published in the form of technical drawings. In addition, the recording series and museum concerts document the activities of scholars and restorers with the collections historic instruments.