Piano Museum
The art of piano building consists of three essential components:
- Design
- Choice of materials
- Construction method
These components are equally important, respond to each other and are influenced by one another. They have to be used in the right proportion and brought together in the right way by the instrument builder. A lot of the know-how comes from tradition, but also the craftsmanship and technical capabilities of the piano builder are significant. Through the years, piano-building has known a remarkable evolution.
With that knowledge and a passion for music, Chris Maene started a collection of historical keyboard instruments. Today, this unique collection consists of more than 300 instruments. Some of them have been restored in the Chris Maene Factory, and are regularly used for concerts and CD recordings.
Highlights are an original harpsichord by Hans Ruckers (1692) and original fortepianos by Graf, Tomkison, Wachtl, Pape, Longman Clementi, Stöcker, Worning, Bösendorfer, Erard, Steinway & Sons, Pleyel, etc.
Most instruments are displayed in a beautifully renovated 18th century brewery in Ruiselede, located about two kilometers from the Chris Maene Factory.
NEW !
Since september 2019, a permanent collection of Belgian pianos "Chris Maene collection" is displayed in Piano's Maene Brussels.
This museum has 25 Belgian pianos in display, all of them showing the evolution of piano building in Belgium.
Address: Piano's Maene Brussels, Rue de l'argonne 37, 1060 Sint-Gillis
Opening times:
Every Wednesday from 1 PM untill 5 PM
Every first Saturday of the month between 10 AM and 5 PM
Visits of larger groups are possible with appointment. Please contact Vincent Lignier (vl@maene.be) or 02/537 86 44.
Closed on holidays. Only accessible by stairs.