Located on the north end of the Parc de la Villette, and part of the striking Philharmonie de Paris concert complex, this museum has a permanent collection of over a thousand instruments, sculptures, paintings, and other objects that recount the history of music in Europe from the 16th to 20th centuries. Pore over a beautiful and rare 17th-century guitar with ivory inlay, a clutch of Stradivarius violins, or a concert piano that Franz Liszt once played on. A separate section on music from around the world includes another 700 objects, mostly from Africa and Asia. As you wander about, you can listen to the instruments you look at on headphones, and you will probably come across live demonstrations by local musicians as well. The temporary exhibitions are always big hits here and include a program of top-notch concerts. The rest of the Philharmonie complex includes a library, a cutting-edge concert hall, and educational facilities.