To mark the occasion of the accordion as the Instrument of the Year 2026, two museums are dedicating special exhibitions to the versatile instrument:

1. The Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin exhibition entitled “The accordion
   Spotlight exhibition on the Instrument of the Year 2026″ which will be on display through to December 31st December 2026.
2. The German Harmonica Museum Trossingen began a display on March 1st, 2026. The museum is dedicating itself to the accordion as the instrument of the year, with a special instrument show with ten selected exhibits. Until November 29th, 2026, visitors can expect a new thematic focus every four weeks: From the beginnings of the accordion to folk music, technical innovations and design to experiments, icons and worldwide playing traditions.
   The accordion shows itself here not only as an instrument – but also as a means of cultural expression, as a technical masterpiece and as a body of sound with a history.

“Both presentations shed light on the history, construction and tonal diversity of the accordion, which has been continuously developed since its creation around 1820 in Germany and Austria. The exhibitions trace the path from the handcrafted experiment of the 19th century to the globally widespread concert and everyday instrument – from folk and dance music to jazz and contemporary concert music. In addition to historical originals, models and documents, the accordion is also shown as a cultural phenomenon between craft, industry and musical practice, with special attention to Trossingen as an important centre of harmonica and accordion making.”