Why we shouldn't blog at 11 pm!

As we sent the blog the other night, we realized that we didn't share anything about our visit to the Museum of Instruments in Brussels.  This was the best 5  Euros we spent all week.   The museum is relatively new and is located in a former department store near the royal square.  It was difficult to determine which display cases were new and which ones were original to the department store.  Regardless of origin, the wood, trim and ornate brass trimmings of the display cases were as pleasing as the presentation of over 7,000 instruments from around the world.  Many were dated from the 1700's and 1800's.

Each of four floors were temperature and humidity controlled to protect the numerous wood instruments.  Some of the instruments were like a fine work of art, while others represented some musician's well-worn violin, flute, accordion,mandolin or guitar.  The coolest part of the exhibit was the newly enhanced audio headsets.   You simply walk to the front of the instrument display you wish to view and a tune is played on that instrument.  It is hard to imagine the value alone of the harps and clarinets dating from the 1700's.  And it is simply mind boggling to attempt to value all 7,000 of these rare instruments.   We were fortunate to attend the museum while visitation is not at the peak levels of July and August, since you need to spend at least a few minutes in front of each exhibit.  We rate this experience 10+!