The Institute of Ethnology is a research institute focused on both the basic and applied research in the field of ethnology and related scientific disciplines (ethnography, folklore studies, social and cultural anthropology). The history of the institute reaches back to the year 1905. Currently, the Institute is formed by three research departments (historical ethnology, ethnic studies, ethnomusicology) and the department of scientific information. A similar structure is preserved also by the field workplace in Brno. Department (Cabinet) of Music History is also part of the Institute.