Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States Washington, D.C. Hoff's Harmonica Case Collection

Hoff's Harmonica Case Collection

More than 500 unique and specially designed cases collected by D.C.'s "Harmonica Case Man."

Washington, D.C.

Added By
hoff hoffman
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Hoff has over 500 unique harmonica cases in his collection.   vidsync/CC BY 2.0
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
He often showcases them at exhibitions.   vidsync/CC BY 2.0
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
All of them have “Hoff” or his image on it in some way.   Stuck in Vermont/CC BY 2.0
Hoff playing the harmonica at an exhibition.   vidsync/CC BY 2.0
Each is specially designed by an artist for Hoff.   vidsync/CC BY 2.0
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
  WhiskeyBristles / Atlas Obscura User
A specially designed case from Hoff’s collection.   Amanda Kilgour Hoffman (Used with permission)
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

For Bob Hoffman, what began as an simple desire to get a couple of customized beaded harmonica cases to match his outfits turned into a huge collection of intricate and originally handcrafted cases, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The Washington D.C. resident took up playing the harmonica when he was in his mid-50s, and it wasn't long before collecting specially designed cases became a more serious pursuit than the instrument itself. Over 15 years, he has collected more than 500 cases, created by nearly 450 different artists, and earned himself the name “Hoff The Harmonica Case Man.”

He commissions the cases when he meets artists at fairs and exhibitions all over the world, and every case is personalized with the word “Hoff” or his image included in some form. While each holder is unique, they can all be worn around the neck and they are designed such that the instrument can be easily accessed—Hoffman’s criteria.

The boxes are constructed out of many different types of materials, including wood, glass, metal, beads, eggshell, fabric, plastic, and even ivory. Some of the designs have themes, such as "things that move," or Vermont, where Hoffman spends his summers. One of the highlights of the collection is a Lincoln-themed case, with the last picture taken of Lincoln printed on it, along with an image of the gun used to shoot him.

Hoff showcases his unique collection at different exhibitions as well as at his home in Washington. He also recently published two books with photographs of the cases. 

Related Tags

Collections Museums And Collections Music

Know Before You Go

Hoff is a retired attorney living near the national zoo in Washington DC, and would be pleased to show you some of these cases in person. Viewing is by appointment only. To reach Hoff the Harmonica Case Man,
email him at hoffharmonica@gmail.com.

Community Contributors

Added By

hoffharmonica

Edited By

WhiskeyBristles, Kavya Ram Mohan

  • WhiskeyBristles
  • Kavya Ram Mohan

Published

June 7, 2017

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/15/bob-hoff-hoffmans-handcra_n_1082469.html
  • https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/an-afternoon-with-hoff-and-the-worlds-largest-harmonica-case-collection/Content?oid=2265924
  • http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/arts/museums-galleries/blog/13081847/the-worlds-largest-collection-of-handcrafted-harmonica-cases-is-in-mount-pleasant
Hoff's Harmonica Case Collection
1 Scott Cir NW
Washington, District of Columbia
United States
38.907192, -77.036871
Get Directions

Nearby Places

The Winfield Scott Memorial

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Russian Ambassador's Residence

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Civil War Nurses Memorial

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

United States

Places 285
Stories 49

Nearby Places

The Winfield Scott Memorial

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Russian Ambassador's Residence

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Civil War Nurses Memorial

Washington, D.C.

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

United States

Places 285
Stories 49

Related Stories and Lists

Treat Yourself to a Scavenger Hunt Through DC’s Most Delightful Destinations

List

Sponsored by washington.org

Related Places

  • Bentside Spinet

    Manchester, England

    RNCM Collection of Historic Musical Instruments

    Over 300 historical instruments from around the world can be found in the Royal Northern College of Music's basement.

  • Edinburgh, Scotland

    St Cecilia's Hall

    Scotland's oldest purpose-built concert hall houses an incredible collection of ornate, centuries-old keyboards.

  • Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina with six violins.

    Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

    Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet

    This marvelous array is one of the largest collections of mechanical instruments in Europe.

  • Chalice/grigson #2

    Saint Petersburg, Russia

    Museum of Sound

    An unusual collection of self-made musical instruments and unique noises.

  • The Estey Organ Museum contains dozens of playable organs, of all shapes and sizes.

    Brattleboro, Vermont

    Estey Organ Museum

    Play everything you see at a museum dedicated to a town's historic organ industry.

  • The exhibit.

    North Adams, Massachusetts

    Gunnar Schonbeck Exhibit

    More than 200 unconventional musical instruments that anyone can play.

  • Woody Guthrie Center.

    Tulsa, Oklahoma

    Woody Guthrie Center

    A museum packed with instruments, lyrics, and other mementos of the American folk icon.

  • Museu da Música Mecânica

    Pinhal Novo, Portugal

    Museum of Mechanical Music

    This architectural beauty is the home to a personal collection of more than 600 examples of mechanical musical instruments.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.