Orientation Gallery. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
Music tells the story of our history and culture, and one museum showcases different instruments from around the world and across time. The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) showcases more than 4,200 instruments and associated objects (out of over 12,000) in its collection, housed over two floors of light-filled galleries in Phoenix, Arizona.
Boasting a diverse, international collection, MIM recognizes that music is something we all share. It gives a voice to our many emotions and is a force bringing people together and helping them in their darkest moments. The institution has made it a priority to curate from a global perspective, collecting objects that reflect the diversity of musical practices.
MIM’s collection is partially organized by Geographic Galleries, which focus on five global regions. One highlight, for instance, of the African and Middle Eastern collection is an ivory trumpet played in a women’s secret association in Sierra Leone. The Asia and Oceania collection, meanwhile, includes instruments from 50 countries and island groups, such as an ancient bronze drum from Vietnam.
Containing instruments from 40 countries and city states, the Europe gallery has items that reflect its long history, including centuries-old cathedral bells. Similarly, the Latin American gallery also features objects from 40 countries and territories, but is divided into three sections: South America, Central America and Mexico, and the Caribbean. A couple of instruments you’ll see in the gallery are Afro-Caribbean ceremonial drums and Amazonian shamanic rattles.
The United States and Canada gallery is organized by themes and types of instruments. With more than 70 displays, visitors experience the array of objects that have shaped the musical experience in North America. There, you'll find a Native American flute and an Apache fiddle.
Eugene Kim, co-founder and editor-in-chief of My Modern Met, had the opportunity to visit MIM. “The Musical Instrument Museum curated such an amazing collection of instruments from all over the world,” he shares. “The audio tour created an extremely immersive experience and really helped to learn about the history, culture, and context behind each collection. I want to thank Rich Walter, senior curator at MIM, for taking the time to interview with My Modern Met and for creating a world-renowned resource for the public to enjoy and appreciate.”
MIM is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan your visit and get tickets on the museum's website.
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) showcases more than 4,200 instruments and associated objects in its collection, housed over two floors of light-filled galleries in Phoenix, Arizona.
Guests Tour the Musical Instrument Museum. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
Boasting a diverse, international collection, MIM recognizes that music is something we all share.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
It gives a voice to our many emotions and is a force bringing people together and helping them in their darkest moments.
Congo Masks and Music, Masterpieces from Central Africa. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
Congo Masks and Music, Masterpieces from Central Africa. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
The institution has made it a priority to curate from a global perspective, collecting objects that reflect the diversity of musical practices.
Southwest Exhibit. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
MIM’s collection is partially organized by Geographic Galleries, which focus on five global regions: Africa and the Middle East; Asia and Oceania; Europe; Latin America; and United States and Canada.
Mexico, Indigenous exhibit in the Latin America Gallery. (Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum)
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
The institution also features instruments from famous musicians such as Johny Cash and Prince.
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met
Photo: Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum
