The Mirpuri Foundation proudly celebrates the opening of the National Museum of Music in Mafra, marking a historic milestone for Portuguese culture and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the preservation, enhancement and dissemination of national musical heritage.
Within this landmark project, the Foundation is honoured to have directly supported the restoration of two outstanding instruments: the Claviharp MNM 0338, a rare musical instrument patented by Christian Dietz in 1814, and the Virginal “Franciolini” MNM 0393, originating from the Renaissance-Baroque tradition.
Fully integrated into the new museological narrative, these instruments stand as rare testimonies to the history of music and human ingenuity. Their restoration ensures their long-term preservation and continued study and appreciation by future generations.
Now permanently housed in the Royal Building of Mafra, the National Museum of Music holds one of the most important collections of musical instruments in the world, spanning nine centuries, from the 12th to the 21st century, and including several instruments classified as national treasures.
The opening of the Museum in Mafra provides the institution with a permanent home worthy of the significance of its collection. The rehabilitation of approximately 8,000 square meters of the Royal Building enabled improved public spaces, dedicated storage areas and a 2,000-square-metre exhibition route now displaying around 500 instruments.
This transformation was accompanied by an extensive restoration campaign involving more than one hundred conservator-restorers and the treatment of approximately five hundred instruments.
The official inauguration took place on 22 November, St Cecilia’s Day, with concerts and special programming celebrating music. The Museum now presents an innovative museographic concept, including an immersive multimedia hall featuring newly commissioned works by Portuguese artists.
For the Mirpuri Foundation, the opening of the National Museum of Music in Mafra symbolises a renewed commitment to cultural preservation and ensuring musical heritage endures for future generations.
