exhibition

Presenting Sponsor:

us bank

The most extraordinary and sought-after string instruments from iconic European makers.

  • November 8, 2024–September 14, 2025
Buy Catalog

The Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars catalog is available for purchase at the Museum Store or online at theMIMstore.org.

Exclusively at MIM

Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars presents more than 70 of the most extraordinary and sought-after string instruments from iconic European makers of the 16th to the 19th century. Spectacular violins, guitars, lutes, and bows show how exceptionally skilled makers elevated fine string instruments into timeless masterpieces that remain astonishing today.
video thumbnail

Superior Craftsmanship. Enduring Excellence.

Trace the story of European string instruments across centuries. See magnificent instruments from Andrea Amati, the founding father of the violin; Antonio Stradivari, who is almost universally recognized as the greatest violin maker in history; and Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù,” who ranks alongside Stradivari as one of the world’s most extraordinary violin makers.

Left: This violin, made by Andrea Amati in the 1560s, is one of only 23 documented surviving Amati instruments.

Renowned Artistry. A Rare Opportunity.

Experience the sights and sounds of some of the world’s rarest string instruments—such as one of the earliest six-string guitars and possibly the only surviving 18th-century Italian mute violin—through original video content featuring contemporary virtuosos. The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition includes loans from private collectors that have never been publicly displayed and can only be seen at MIM.

Right: This mandolino coristo is one of two surviving Stradivarius mandolins. In the exhibition, it is displayed with its original case.

Featured Pieces

“Tartini” violin by Antonio Stradivari, 1726

“Tartini” violin by Antonio Stradivari, 1726

This magnificent violin by the great Cremonese master comes from late in his golden period, when he made his most renowned instruments.

Private Collection

Guitar from the school of Matteo Sellas, 1625

Guitar from the school of Matteo Sellas, 1625

This Venetian guitar is embellished with ivory, ebony, tortoiseshell, and pearl, and it has a tiered “wedding cake” rose, a common feature of guitars until the mid-18th century. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

Violin by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù,” 1728

Violin by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù,” 1728

This important violin dates to the early period of Guarneri’s independence, displaying the influence of his father’s training but also his personal style. Loan courtesy of Beare Violins Ltd

Guitar by Alexandre Voboam, 1652

Guitar by Alexandre Voboam, 1652

Fewer than 30 guitars signed by members of the Voboam family survive today; this is one of three guitars made by Alexandre Voboam in 1652. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

Violin bow by Nicolas Rémy Maire, 1845

Violin bow by Nicolas Rémy Maire, 1845

This exquisite bow’s frog—the movable part on the handle that holds the hair and slides back when the bow is tightened—is fully lined with silver and abalone shell. Loan courtesy of Kenneth Warren & Son, Ltd.

Chitarriglia by Joachim Tielke, 1684

Chitarriglia by Joachim Tielke, 1684

This lavishly decorated small guitar was made to be tuned higher than the conventionally sized baroque guitar. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

Thank you to our generous donors

Presenting sponsor U.S. Bank
usbank

U.S. Bank

Sponsored By

John & Joan D’Addario Foundation

Terri & Jerry Kohl

Mary Ann & John Mangels

Supported By

Beare Violins Ltd

Lucia Renshaw & Bruce Covill

Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, Inc.

Robert A. & Carol J. Wolfe

Carole & Alan Zeichick

Additional Support By

Elizabeth Biaett & Gary Dickey

Babette & Richard Burns

FOCUS on European Art

Carolyn & John Friedman

Michael & Susan Hooley

Christine Lindley

Phyllis & Arthur Soben

Hao and Michelle Wang Foundation

Jan & David Wood

Support MIM’s Exhibitions
Banner image:

Left: Private Collection /
Photograph by Claudio Mazzolari—Linea Tre
Right: Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

Violin:

MIM Collection /
Gift of the Robert J. Ulrich and Diane Sillik Fund

Mandolino coristo:

Loan courtesy of Beare Violins Ltd /
Photo by Hiroko Umezawa

Carousel:

1: Private Collection /
Photograph by Claudio Mazzolari—Linea Tre
2: Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection
3: Loan courtesy of Beare Violins Ltd /
Photo by Hiroko Umezawa
4: Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection
5: Loan courtesy of Kenneth Warren & Son, Ltd.
6: Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

Contextual painting:

Still Life with Musical Instruments,
Bartolomeo Battera, c. 1680s /
Photo courtesy of
Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation, Houston