The World's Largest Indoor Musical Instrument Museum Is Right Here In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 18, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Whether you can play a myriad of instruments or just like jamming out to the radio, this incredible place is an absolute must-visit. Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix is the largest facility of its kind on earth, with more than 15,000 instruments and related objects from more than 200 countries.
With more than 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects on display, MIM is the largest museum of its kind in the world. It's among the top 15 museums in the United States and is No. 1 out of nearly 200 attractions in Phoenix on Tripadvisor — that's saying something!
Feel free to explore on your own, or join one of several guided tours for a deeper dive into the exhibits. No matter your preferred experience, get ready for a whirlwind journey through the musical history of more than 200 countries all around the world.
Exhibits are separated into five major world regions for easy navigation. Read all about Native American drums, watch videos on ancient European horns, marvel at traditional Congo masks used in dramatic, upbeat masquerade ceremonies, and so much more. To complement the permanent galleries, there's usually also at least one special exhibit highlighting a particular culture's musical customs.
Plenty of iconic artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash have their very own displays. Learn all about how their careers got started, watch vintage performance footage, and admire real instruments used in thousands of recording sessions.
Stroll through the Mechanical Music Gallery, where you'll find some of the finest self-playing instruments ever made. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in the creation of these autonomous inventions, and the museum features an incredibly wide range from both Europe and the Americas.
There's even an entire room dedicated to guitars — talk about specificity! Seasoned players already know about different models and the varying sounds they produce, but this comprehensive collection lets those newer to the scene discover the nuances for themselves. You'll also learn about all the unique forms guitars have assumed over the years. It's truly a fascinating display!
The MIM Music Theater features live music almost every day. Hear domestic and global music from bygone eras and modern times to bring the knowledge you acquired in the galleries full circle.
