Galleries
The barrel refers to a cylinder with raised teeth which rotates within the organ. As the cylinder rotates, the teeth raise levers, allowing air to pass into pipes.
Photographs, sketches and paintings showing the skylines, panoramas, and architecture of cities and towns
A variety of vehicles used for transport through air, rail, road or water, including motorcycles, boats and aeroplanes.
Rivers, canals and lakes from across Europe and beyond, as depicted in painting, photographs, maps and more
The Mauritshuis is famous for its unique collection of paintings by Dutch and Flemish masters from the Golden Age. Here is a selection of our favourite works.
Paintings, engravings and drawings of people wearing traditional, national and folk costumes and clothing from across Europe.
Stained glass is a centuries old artform. These windows - in churches, houses, factories, museums and more from buildings in several countries across Europe - show a range of artistic styles.
Explore these cultural cats from collections across Europe - these drawings, photographs and paintings show the finest of feline forms.
In Europe and the Middle East the dragon was a legendary creature of evil. Noble knights could slay them, holy saints could tame them. But are the dragons of myth based on reality?
Unlike the Western classical harp, the arched harp does not have a supporting pillar, but a string bearer that arches away from the resonator. Found in East Africa, South East Asia and other regions, with depictions existing from ancient Egypt and India.
A pluriarc is an instrument with several bows, each one with a string attached. Found in Southern, West and Western Central Africa.
The bow of an instrument - because of its shape, weight, strength and balance - can be as important as the instrument itself. Bows have many shapes and sizes - here are just a few!
How do you take your tea? Served in an elegant parlour, from a flask or during a Japanese ceremony? Since the 1840s, sitting down for a steamy cup of joy has become part of daily life all over the world.
Juvenal's 2000-year-old motto 'A healthy mind in a healthy body' is still valid in today's keep-fit culture. Mental well-being is often connected to regular physical exercise, shown in many varieties here!
The magic lantern was the most popular, creative and versatile instrument for visual communication before cinema. Through projection, the static medium of the photograph acquired new dynamics and a heightened sense of realism.
Some musical instruments were works of art in themselves, frequently decorated with, or shaped into, dragons, monsters or other legendary creatures.
Surimono are a genre of Japanese woodblock print. Produced in small numbers for a mostly educated audience of literati, surimono were often more experimental and extravagant than commercial prints.
A stringed instrument, sounded by a rotating wheel creating a drone, while the pitch of the instrument is altered by keys. These instruments are often ornately decorated with scrolls carved into the shape of a human head.
Take a look at the ways in which artists have portrayed themselves through time. These portraits show thoughts and feelings about individual artists, their art and the societies in which they lived and worked.
Lamellophones are found all over Africa. Their names - for example, mbiras, lukembes, kalimbas - differ from region to region, as do the way they are made and, also, the materials from which they are made.
Art Nouveau glassmakers returned their work to the furnace many times, adding layers of textures and decorative elements. Find out more in our Art Nouveau exhibition.
Art Nouveau ceramicists experimented with new forms and innovative glazing techniques. Find out more in our Art Nouveau exhibition.
Art Nouveau jewellers styled fashionable pieces for their elite clients. Find out more in our Art Nouveau exhibition.
The accordion is played across Europe, an important instrument in many countries' folk and popular music