The New Orleans Jazz Museum® Collection
Jazz Instruments
Horns, Reeds and Rhythm Instruments
Horns, reeds, and rhythm instruments associated with the New Orleans jazz tradition. Selected pieces reflect both the professional and vernacular music culture of the city across the twentieth century. Each instrument is documented with provenance, description, and historical context where available.
Brass Band Collection - Cornets, Trumpets, and Alto Horn
Original brass instruments mounted on individual hardwood plaques, spanning the late 19th to mid-20th century New Orleans brass band tradition.
Cornet, American Manufacture, circa 1900–1920
Period brass cornet on carved hardwood mount — the lead instrument of early New Orleans jazz, played by Armstrong, King Oliver, Buddy Bolden, and Freddie Keppard.
New Orleans Trumpet Player, Contemporary
Close-up portrait of a New Orleans musician at the trumpet, documenting the living brass tradition of the city.
Baritone Horn, American Manufacture, circa 1900–1930
Three-valve baritone horn in raw unlacquered brass — a standard voice in the New Orleans brass funeral and parade bands from which jazz emerged.
Brass Instruments and Archival Photographs — Folk Art and Documentary Collection
Two hand-painted folk art works depicting period brass instruments alongside three framed archival photographs, circa early-to-mid 20th century.
Trumpet, American Manufacture, circa 1920–1940
Copper and brass trumpet with heavy use patina, displayed on weathered wood - a working musician's horn from the New Orleans jazz and swing era.
The museum collection continues to grow. New items are added regularly. For inquiries about specific items, research, or images, please use the contact form.