Artifact of the Week 20250117 - Knabe Villa Piano

When visiting the Villa Philmonté, guests are not allowed to touch the artifacts found in the home to help preserve and protect these nearly 100-year-old treasures. There is one exception, and that is the 1927 Knabe Player Piano found in the main living room of the Villa. Ruaidhrí Belfry Crofton, Villa Philmonté Curator, tells us the story of this special Knabe Piano and some of the other historic places Knabe pianos made their mark.
If you are taking a Villa tour, and a member of your tour group can play the piano, just talk to your guide and take advantage of this unique opportunity to tickle the ivories of this 97-year-old piece of history.
Call the National Scouting Museum at 575-376-1136 for more information about Villa Tours and to schedule yours the next time you are visiting Philmont.