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A drawing of a woman with dark hair, hoop earrings and a pinafore next to an artwork of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a black man wearing a beige patterned jacket with an orange patterned background.

Discover rare musical treasures at the Royal College of Music Museum’s new exhibition

Tuesday 10 February 2026

From untold stories of women composers to musical curiosities, the Royal College of Music Museum’s new exhibition invites visitors to engage with treasures from the RCM collections. 

Opening 10 February 2026, Unsung: Treasures of the RCM celebrates the diversity of the Royal College of Music’s alumni and community. Illuminating overlooked voices that have shaped our musical world, it brings together stories of pioneering female composers, international scholars and innovative research projects. Visitors will also encounter a fascinating array of musical curiosities including an 18th-century silk and ivory cornemuse, a pianist’s hand-stretching device, a gold musical box with a singing bird and a 20th-century serpent. 

The exhibition shines a spotlight on the achievements of historical and contemporary women composers associated with the RCM. The stories of international scholarship holders are explored, looking at their impacts both on British music and their homelands, whilst the RCM Pride showcase celebrates Queer staff and students who have contributed to the life of the College and continue to be a vital part of the RCM’s community. 

Jennifer Brian, Deputy Curator of the Royal College of Music Museum, commented: ‘It’s a privilege to work with students, staff and collections from across the College, to elevate the stories of people and collections that may otherwise remain Unsung.’ 

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can enjoy special events that bring these stories to life. On 19 February, a family-friendly lunchtime concert highlights the brilliance of brass and offers interactive activities. On 4 March, Dr Sarah K Whitfield will be joined by guests in the museum to dive deeper into the stories of women composers, musicians, conductors and musical administrators.  

The Unsung: Treasures of the RCM exhibition is free and opens at the Royal College of Music Museum on 10 February 2026. The RCM Museum is open Tuesday–Friday, 10.15am-5.45pm and Saturday–Sunday, 11am-6pm.   

Main image: Drawing of an unidentified cast member from the London Premiere of Porgy and Bess (Copyright: Milein Cosman / The Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust) and artwork depicting Samuel Coleridge-Taylor by Yvadney Davis.