Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum, or MIM, was created out of the passion for music, the role it plays in our daily lives and the fact that music is such an integral part of tradition and history. It is also a cultural feature that is shared by every nation in every country around the world. To make music come to life, instruments are used, and it is therefore vital to pay tribute to the instruments that have brought music to the masses for centuries. The museum strives to educate the public on both new and ancient instruments through its fascinating displays and interactive exhibits.
The Musical Instrument Museum is located in Phoenix and strives to preserve the instruments of past and present to document the evolution of music and the instruments used. Boasting more than 13 000 instruments in its collection, the museum has not limited its exhibits to local instruments, but has managed to acquire approximately two hundred instruments from various other countries such as the Congo, India, China and Russia. With this magnificent collection of instruments, the Musical Instrument Museum has managed to develop itself to being the biggest museum of its kind in the world, and visitors to the museum will be astounded at the various features used by the museum to educate the public on the history of the instruments.
Streamed music can be heard in various locations in the museum through wireless audio, allowing visitors to hear the instrument they are looking at. Photographs and video displays assist in immersing visitors into the culture of each instrument and flat screen monitors show how instruments are played, such as the Japanese taiko drum. An Experience Gallery gives visitors the opportunity to play and explore exotic instruments. The conservation laboratory has large glass windows installed, allowing visitors to witness the repair and preservation process of the instruments.
Musical performances are also hosted by the museum throughout the year in its theatre, which can seat almost three hundred audience members. Visiting the interactive, fun and educational Musical Instrument Museum is an unforgettable experience and an expedition into the world of music that is truly unique.