Music aficionados and enthusiasts, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is the place for you. From the musical roots of Africa to the current-day music legends, such as John Lennon and Carlos Santana, the Musical Instrument Museum covers everything, from nearly every corner of the world — educating you on the history of musical instruments.

With just your headset, explore different parts of the world, including Africa/Middle East, Asia/Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean, United States/Canada and Europe. As you approach each display, music plays on your headset, and you’re instantly in a different land, experiencing the cultures of the past and present — hearing and witnessing the music in action at wireless “hot spots” looping streamed music.

MIM even educates you on the purpose behind the music in each, respective country. While some used music to connect with nature, help calm sheep and ward off predators, others used it to acquire weapons, for storytelling, ceremonies, religion, to determine and highlight social status, rebellion, create identity and so much more.

You can even create a musical experience for yourself in the Experience Gallery. Strike the marimbas, hit the gong and have fun!


Check out videographer Sterling Grey‘s interpretation of the Musical Instrument Museum:

 


Upcoming MIM Events:

 

MIM Musical Interludes, featuring ASU School of Music: ASU African Drum Ensemble

Enjoy drumming an folklore from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Ghana, and Nigeria.

The event is free with no museum admission required. Seating is limited and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at MIM. MIM and the American Chinese Arts & Culture Exchange Association present special performances with traditional Chinese instruments, folk songs and dance, martial arts, original artwork on display, and a craft activity for all ages.

The event is free with museum admission.

Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

MIM Musical Interludes, featuring UA School of Music: The Rosewood Marimba Band

The Rosewood Marimba band with perform classic ragtime arrangements of George Hamilton Green, Harry Breuer, and Scott Joplin.

The event is free with no museum admission required.

Monday, February 13, 2012
1 p.m.

Romancing Arizona

This Valentine’s Day, spend your evening with local food, wine, entertainment (by The Sugar Thieves and Savoy Hop Cats in the courtyard) and more at MIM. And Arizona will be celebrating 100 years as a state, so this is an event you don’t want miss.

Tickets are $50 each until Jan. 31, 2012. Tickets after are $60 each, and they will be sold at the door for the same price. Ages 21+.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit themim.org or contact events@theMIM.org.

 

If You Go: Musical Instrument Museum

4725 E. Mayo Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85050
(480) 478-6000
themim.org