learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
I’d had a couple of people recommend the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix to me, and so on a recent trip to Arizona, we made a point of visiting this Smithsonian affiliate, and were really glad we did. It is the world’s only global musical instrument museum.
the musical instrument museum offers great insight into music and culture from around the world
The museum’s name is a bit of a misnomer. You’ll see and experience much more than just looking at exhibits of musical instruments from around the world. You’ll have the opportunity to try out various musical instruments in the Experience Gallery, where a variety of instruments large and small are available for you to experiment with, including banging on a giant Kempul gong from Indonesia.
My friend Laverne enjoyed testing out this ukulele in the Experience Gallery of the Musical Instrument Museum.
I enjoyed being the star of my own Gong Show with this Kempul gong from Indonesia.
My favourite gallery at the MIM is the Artist Gallery, where you can see clothing, musical instruments, and other memorabilia donated (or on loan to) the the museum from various musical stars. As a Canadian, I enjoyed seeing the Randy Bachman exhibit, and as an Elvis lover, I especially enjoyed the large Elvis exhibit. There is also a great John Lennon exhibit and one from Carlos Santana. If you love contemporary music, you can easily spend an hour in this gallery alone. The “Playing for Change” foundation has a video of artists from around the world singing to John Lennon’s song Imagine, which I found very moving.
The exhibit from Turkey provides a multi-media glimpse into Turkish music and culture.
The Geographic Galleries are fascinating, as they give you a glimpse of the culture of the place or country from which the musical instrument(s) originated. I was disappointed at the tiny Canadian Gallery, which only contained a fiddle from Nova Scotia. There is so much more Canadian music to explore from the rest of Canada! I hope the museum expands this, and some of the other very limited galleries. I found the “Recycled Orchestra” exhibit from Argentina featuring instruments created from recycled cans to be highly creative.
The Apollonia is a massive menagerie of musical instruments that plays itself. Don’t miss the demo!
The Musical Instrument Museum has a 300-seat theatre that hosts a myriad of entertainment and about 250 concerts each year. The floors of the museum are soft for comfort walking, and there is an elevator to the second floor making this a most pleasurable and accessible venue to spend at least half a day exploring. There is a really nice gift shop to explore, and a cafe where you can grab lunch if you want to take a break during your visit.
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix offers some nice places where you can sit outside for a break during your visit.
Downtown Phoenix is just a short drive from Scottsdale, where we enjoyed a week of fun in the sun and also enjoyed a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Have you been to the MIM? Please let us know what you thought of the exhibits and the experience in the comment section below. Thanks, and stay tuned next week for the final post in my series on Scottsdale, Arizona.
I enjoyed the recycled orchestra. It was amazing to see what they used to make beautiful music. The hands on part was good too as you got to play a variety of instruments. A must see if you enjoy musical instruments.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Right on, Laverne. I wish we had had more time to take it all in. But it’s such a huge facility that a person really does need 3-4 hours to see everything — including the special temporary exhibits, which are separate from the other exhibits.
A museum dedicated entirely to music sounds so wonderful and unique, at least to me. I’ve never heard of anything like this before. 🙂 I’m sure I’d love to visit this place some time in life!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Hi, Priya. Well, the MIM says it is unique to the world. So, I don’t think there are other museums elsewhere that are quite as extensive or broad scoped. I hope that at some point, you will be able to visit it in Phoenix, Arizona. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
This museum is way too far for me to visit, what a pity!
However, I’m eager to hear your future stories of your insights into music and culture.
Looking forward right now!
Twitter: pathbollywood
says:
Hi, I love to listen music and also sounds of various instruments like Flute and violin.
Thanks for this nice article.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
You’re welcome, Neha! Anyone who enjoys music and culture will enjoy a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum. Cheers! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: thetammyjo
says:
A very cool find! My hubby would love it!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thanks, TammyJo. I hope you two get to visit the MIM soon. And then you could make a detour to Zak’s Chocolate and enjoy the best in AZ! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: thetammyjo
says:
We can’t afford to go anywhere for awhile because of family and health issues. Unless some chocolate brand or event covered my expenses to travel and report on them.
The places you find to visit are amazing to me ! Of course, most of your adventures open my eyes to what’s available. I think that’s the whole purpose of writing, isn’t it? You succeed admirably !
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thank you so much for that vote of confidence, Linda! Yes, my mission statement is to educate, entertain, and entice my readers to venture out and explore the world with chocolate in mind. But my many other interests make an appearance as well, and that includes a love for good wine, great food, interesting people and cultures, soul-serving music, as well as a respect for nature. Glad to say … I love what I do, and am grateful I have the opportunity to do it. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: donnajanke
says:
I visited the MIM a few years ago and loved it. I especially liked being able to hear recordings of what the unusual instruments sounded like. There is so much to see here that I think it can be a bit overwhelming for one visit.
I agree, Donna. We didn’t even see the temp exhibit on China, and we still were there about 3 hours. Would love to go back & spend more time at the MIM.
The MIM sounds like a great place to visit. I enjoy your articles!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thanks so much, Flora. I love hearing from you. And I love what I do. Have a super day! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
This museum looks interesting! Its amazing how music can be universal and yet be produced by so many different types of musical instruments in the different cultures 🙂
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Indeed, Claire. Like chocolate, music is one of the universal languages of love and emotion. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
That is a lovely picture of Laverne and the one of you is priceless. The museum looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I am glad to hear there is a restaurant on the premises which enables visitors to have something to eat and continue their visit. It is on my list of places to visit if I travel to Arizona.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
As a teacher, I think you’d love the MIM, Bev. They have tons of school programs! Thx for stopping by.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: travelpast50
says:
Doreen, we visited the museum with our friend Larry, who is a docent there. I second your opinion. It’s a terrific attraction in Scottsdale, and an excellent museum, not just of music. It’s a great cultural tour, via the music, of darn near every country in the world. Very entertaining and enlightening.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thanks for the comment, Tom. Glad you enjoyed the MIM as much as we did! 🙂
Twitter: travelgalCindy
says:
I’d heard about this museum from everyone for several years before actually getting there. Still, I was shocked by how much was on display and how fun it is! I loved all the historic videos of entertainers from all cultures all over the world – it was amazing to see so many musical greats of the past performing. We only had a couple of hours and will set aside at least a half-day the next time we go. It’s every bit as good as everyone says and then some!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Isn’t it wonderful when that works out, Cindy? We always love to receive recommendations from others. But it’s especially sweet when we agree with the rec! 🙂
Twitter: ourboomerblog
says:
What a fun opportunity you had at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. I was an instrument player in my previous life, and would truly enjoy this place. Thanks for showing us all about it.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
You’re most welcome, Jeff. I hope you get to visit the MIM soon. 🙂
Twitter: carolcruising
says:
I am ashamed! We have lived in Mesa (next door to Phoenix) for a year now and I haven’t been to the MIM. To think a Filipino friend of mine, part of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association we have set up for Arizona, is working there! Your post puts it at the top of my to-do list!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Fantastic, Carol! I hope you get to the MIM soon. I’ll look forward to reading your assessment of it.
Twitter: jepaladino
says:
I had never heard of the Musical Instrument Museum. What a great idea as music has played such an important in our lives going back over time. I played the cornet as a child so I know I would enjoy this museum. Hopefully will get to Phoenix again some day.
Twitter: wizardofwords
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I hope you do make your way to Phoenix, Jeannette, so that you can enjoy a visit to the MIM, and a side trip to Zak’s chocolate! 🙂
Twitter: PhoeniciaO
says:
What an interesting museum; music equipment you are free to use! What fun visitors must have deciding what equipment to use. I can guarantee it must become noisy at particular times of the day.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
HI Phoenicia. Indeed! The MIM gets mighty noisy when the school children arrive! But it’s all good fun, and the rest of the museum is well insulated and much quieter than the Experience Gallery.
Hi Doreen. Had never heard of this museum. It’s interesting that we are celebrated but not in the Canadian geographic area. Possibly that will be rectified soon. Always interesting. Thank you.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Hi Janet. I believe the Canadian exhibit in the Geographic exhibit is where they have the fiddle from Nova Scotia. But as you and I know, the Canadian music scene is SO much more than that, and definitely does not represent Canada in a coast-to-coast-to-coast true Canadian way. As we are the largest neighbour of the US, I would hope they would show a little more attention to Canada, and I did mention that to their marketing person.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: boomeresque
says:
As a former recorder and oboe player, I am very attracted to music museums. I think the last one we visited was somewhere in Vienna—or was it Basel, Switzerland? If I ever make it back to Scottsdale, I’ll make sure this museum makes my “to visit” list.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Suzanne, you’ve mentioned 2 places that are high on my list: Vienna and Basel. chocolate, with a little music thrown in would be divine!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: judywrite
says:
Jim and I went to MIM our first winter in Arizona, like you, on the suggestion of friends. It happened to be a day of outdoor entertainment and indoor demonstrations. We watched some interesting Polynesian performances, including stilt walkers, and dancers. Then we took in a demonstration in kettle-drum making. Very interesting! After a break for a late lunch, we made a stab at seeing the many display rooms, but found it just too much for one day, so we got an extension on our tickets so we could return another day — and we did!
Looking at your post, I feel that some exhibits have changed or perhaps new ones added, so I guess it’s time for another visit.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Right on, Judy! That’s the cool things about museums like this. Exhibits change regularly, and there’s always something new and interesting to see. Sounds like your first visit to the MIM was a really good one. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: nextbiteoflife
says:
The first thing l thought of was The Gong Show when l saw that picture of you, so l was glad to read the caption. The Musical Instrument Museum looks like a fun place to visit. “Tiptoe through the tulips” will now play in my mind all day. 🙂
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
I have a feeling you’d quite enjoy the MIM, Kemkem. I hope you get to visit soon. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: worldwidewriter
says:
I like the idea that you can pick up the instruments and play them. So much better than those museums where you just have to look at the exhibits!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Indeed, Karen. Plus you can take pics wherever you like. Some museums are so sterile and blah. This one really sings! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: RoseMGriffith
says:
We spend so much hiking when we are in Arizona or New Mexico that we don’t always opt for the museums. Thank you for introducing me to new places to visit on the next trip!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
I hear you, Rose. It is indeed so beautiful outdoors in AZ that it seems less desirable to spend time indoors.
Twitter: YearwoodDebra
says:
I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Phoenix, the museum looks like fun. I love that you get to play with some of the instruments instead of just viewing them behind glass. I think that makes for a much more memorable visit. I can only imagine what the gong sounded like up close. 🙂
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
The MIM is indeed a really visitor-friendly venue, Debra. Hands-on, multi-media. It really impressed me. Thx for stopping by.
THanks for the tour Doreen, this is one of the museums that was on my list, but I ran out of time to visit it. Looks like a wonderful place to learn and also use some of the instruments which is amazing.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
The MIM is definitely a must see for lovers of music and culture, Noel. I hope you get there soon. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: kavey
says:
I love unusual museums, this one sounds an interesting find. I think the potential for a jarring cacaphony in the room where you can try instruments may be one to avoid if you have a headache but it sounds super fun to be able to get hands on!
Twitter: aditi0585
says:
Wow! A global musical instrument museum! That’s something new to me. I would love to visit it someday. Thanks for letting us know about it. 🙂
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
It is super cool! And in a destination you would least expect it to be in. But definitely a highlight of my visit to Phoenix.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: traveluv
says:
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix does sound like a great spot to spend a few hours. I must say, you look a little crazed there banging that gong! Was it too much fun? 🙂
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
I do look like a half-crazed woman, don’t I Carole! 🙂 I just wanted to show that you could indeed go a bit wild and create your own unique experience while exploring the MIM. thx for stopping by.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: IMVoyager
says:
The Muiscal Instrument Museum sounds like a melodious experience. What I really liked about the museum is that you actually get to play the instruments rather than be just mute spectators. Who doesn’t like to bang on a drum or blow a trumpet however cacophonic the noise produced! Elvis Presley and John Lenon’s exhibits is another section of the museum that I would love to see.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Hi Sandy. Indeed the MIM has something for everyone. I think a lot of thought went into how they constructed and designed the exhibits, as you can’t help but find something you love.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Your excitement at banging on the gong is quite visible in the photograph! It is great to have a museum dedicated to musical instruments. I feel appreciation of music is the one thing that unites all global cultures and traditions.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
You are so right, Denny. Music soothes us, excites us, and unites us. thx for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
The museum looks very cool. I love to visit this place to check out the musical instrument. Thanks for sharing news about this place.
Indeed a best place to explore the musical instruments. There are lot to explore in this museum.
Twitter: rachelruminates
says:
I’ve never heard of the Musical Instrument Museum, but it sounds interesting and fun. I’m surprised they didn’t have more about Canadian music though. Did they have any First Nations instruments?
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
There was a First Nations exhibit, but I think it was pertaining to South Dakota.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
What a wonderful place. I love history of all kinds. I am now trying to play a medieval instrument called a Hurdy Gurdy.
I would love to go visit this place.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Hi William. I learn something new from you every day! I didn’t know the Hurdy Gurdy was an instrument! I remember that song about the HG from the 70’s?
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…learn about music and culture at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix
Twitter: travelnwrite
says:
I’m guilty of having passed that place several times on recent trips to the area and never made it a point to stop — now I will. Great review, Doreen.
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thanks so much, Jackie. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and hope you make it to the MIM sometime soon. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…best scottsdale resorts
Twitter: greenwithrenvy
says:
Way to get into the instruments Doreen. You and Laverne look like you really enjoyed the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale. Was striking the gong as fun as it looked? I’d be afraid I might walk around vibrating afterwards!
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
It was indeed fun, Alison! No big vibration. Just a big thrill! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…best scottsdale resorts
Wow! A global musical instrument museum! That’s something new to me. I would love to visit it someday. Thx
Twitter: quanghuy368
says:
This museum is way too far for me to visit, what a pity!
However, I’m eager to hear your future stories of your insights into music and culture.
Looking forward right now!
That is a really cool concept. We sometimes take for granted the history and development of the wonderful musical tools we have today. So easy to find a high quality guitar nowadays that we forget the craftsmanship that has taken place over the past couple centuries rot get us here. Thanks for the good reminder.
Twitter: Farenexus
says:
Wow! A musical instrument museum! This is very interesting and something new to me. I would love to visit it someday. This is now in my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing
Twitter: wizardofwords
says:
Thanks for your comment, and for introducing me to Fare Nexus! I will look further into it.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…tree to bar chocolate in Cuba
I think that everyone who loves or has an interest in music should take a trip to this musical instrument museum in Phoenix! Music is a part of my culture so I found this post quite satisfying.
The MiM museum dedicated entirely to music sounds so wonderful and unique .It is a great pleasure to know that , it is the world’s only global musical instrument museum. I’ve never heard of anything like this before. I’d love to visit this place . I have a website of ukulele https://ukulelereviewdj.com/best-concert-ukulele/