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What's on/Museum
RCM Museum
Our Museum invites you to explore, hear and interact with more than 500 years of music-making.
Visit the Royal College of Music Museum to see priceless musical treasures, join a guided tour or attend special chamber performances.
Learn about the earliest stringed keyboard instrument, the most recognised portraits of Joseph Haydn and Farinelli and 56 other fascinating instruments specially chosen from the RCM’s designated collection of 14,000 items.
Join the waitlist: Kurt Cobain Unplugged
Book a guided tour at the Museum
The redevelopment of the Royal College of Music Museum was made possible thanks to National Lottery players.
Opening times
Tuesday–Friday: 10.15am–5.45pm (last entry 5.15pm).
Saturday–Sunday: 11am–6pm (last entry 5.30pm). During the weekend the Museum closes for lunch between 1pm and 2pm.
Closed on Mondays
There is no need to book to visit our main collection. If you are interested in visiting our special exhibition Kurt Cobain Unplugged, tickets are available to book in advance online from 30 April.
Please note the museum will be closed from 12 April to 21 April.
Plan your visit
The Royal College of Music is easy to reach on foot from nearby attractions in South Kensington, from Kensington High Street and from Kensington Gardens. Find out more information here.
Access Information
The Royal College of Music has easy access to most areas. Find out more about access to the RCM Museum.
'...this little treasure chamber [is] an ideal place to beguile a spare half-hour before a Prom'
‘An enchanting snippet of musical history’
‘The permanent collection offers a feast for the eyes wherever you look’
Discover our upcoming exhibition on the story behind one of music’s most iconic guitars.
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Wolfson Centre in Music and Material Culture
Get hands on with music history and visit our brand new research facility.
What's on
From self-guided and weekly group tours of our beautiful collection to our Friday lunch chamber performances, there is lots to discover at the RCM Museum.
Tours and tickets
Enjoy our free weekly guided tour on Wednesdays from 12.30pm - 1.15pm of the RCM Museum led by our knowledgeable museum team. Our passionate guides will share intriguing stories and insights, ensuring that your visit is both informative and enjoyable. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply curious, this tour promises to enhance your appreciation of our musical heritage.
Tickets: Free
Please book via What's on at the Museum.
The RCM Museum offers engaging 45-minute tours designed for groups of 6 to a maximum of 15 people. These tours can be tailored to meet the specific interests, age groups, or needs of the visitors, ensuring a personalised experience.
Tickets: £5 per person (£3.50 concession)
To book, please fill out the RCM Museum booking form.
Self-guided groups of up to 20 people are welcome free of charge, but we ask that you contact us in advance of your visit.
Tickets: Free
To book, please fill out the RCM Museum booking form.
This series of the Educational Programme is a limited offering available during the special exhibition period from 3 June to 18 November. It comprises a guided tour or storytelling journey through the Museum Gallery, showcasing the Museum's permanent collection, as well as the Special Exhibition Space featuring the Kurt Cobain Unplugged exhibition, allowing participants to explore 500 years of music history. Highlights include instruments ranging from the oldest known guitar (Belchior Dias, Lisbon, 1581) to Kurt Cobain’s iconic Martin D-18E guitar.
For more information download the Education programme pack for Kurt Cobain Unplugged.
To book, please fill out the RCM Museum booking form.
Get hands-on with the RCM’s musical history. Groups of students from higher education institutions interested in music studies or musical instrument making can enjoy a tour of the Museum alongside a session of handling unique objects from the RCM collections in our brand-new research facility, the Wolfson Centre in Music & Material Culture. Explore behind the scenes of a music museum and challenge your ideas around materiality and music.
Tickets: £7 per person (£5 concession)
To book, please fill out the RCM Museum booking form.
Royal College of Music Museum
Explore our immersive Museum for all ages
Contact the Museum
If you have any queries about the Royal College of Music Museum please feel free to get in contact with us.
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Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road
London SW7 2BS
United Kingdom
Registered charity No. 309268
