I am curious to know if any museums with musical instruments in their
collections have policies about playing them.  Our site recently restored a
1909 Steinway concert piano, and there is board pressure to offer musical
entertainment on a regular basis.  This piano is of great significance to the
collection as it is documented as having been commissioned by the original
owner of what is now our historic house museum.

My position is that it is displayed in a museum setting, and such activity is
inappropriate from a conservation and interpretation standpoint, but there is
argument that special events might be greatly enhanced if this piano is played
during them.  If the board does prevail on this, I will have to devise a
policy outlining the conditions under which it can be played; by accomplished
pianists only, who remove all jewelry and watches, etc.  I'd be grateful for
any input anyone can offer in support of maintaining the piano's status as an
artifact, or, failing that, I'd like to see examples of guidelines for its use.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Christian Carr
Acting Director
Sweet Briar Museum
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Arts Management
Sweet Briar College
434.381.6246-phone
434.381.6132-fax

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