OUR STORY

MIM began with a vision to create a musical instrument museum that would be truly global. Realizing most musical museums featured historic, primarily Western classical instruments, MIM’s founder Bob Ulrich (then CEO of Target Corporation) was inspired to develop a new kind of museum that would focus on the kind of instruments played every day by people worldwide. A focus on the guest experience shaped every aspect of the museum’s development. From the beginning, our goal has been to deliver a musical experience that is enriching, inspiring, interesting, and fun.

Today, MIM has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 world countries. The galleries reflect the rich diversity and history of many world cultures. But music and instruments also show us what we have in common—a thought powerfully expressed in our motto, music is the language of the soul.

Why Phoenix?

Phoenix was chosen as MIM’s location because of the city’s strong tourism, vibrant and culturally diverse population, and proximity to top national and international attractions such as the Grand Canyon.

Geographic Galleries

Five Geographic Galleries display instruments from major world regions. An Artist Gallery features instruments played by iconic performers, and a Mechanical Music Gallery showcases unique instruments that “play themselves.” Learn More »

MIM’s Octobasse

At the center of the Orientation Gallery is MIM’s octobasse. The eleven-and-a-half-foot instrument is a guest favorite. Learn More »

MIM Music Theater

MIM’s Music Theater presents nearly 300 concerts per year, featuring artists from around the world across all genres. Learn More »

Education at MIM

MIM offers music-based programs for learners of all ages, including MIMkids classes, Creative Aging workshops, professional development for teachers, and a lifelong learning series for adults. Learn More »

Experience Gallery

Guests of all ages can play instruments from around the world in the Experience Gallery. Learn More »

Signature Events

MIM’s weekend Signature Events celebrate world musical traditions with live performances, engaging lectures, and other family-friendly activities. Learn More »

The MIM Experience

MIM’s immersive exhibits foster an appreciation of diverse cultures and the craftsmanship and traditions of instrument makers from the past to the present. A visit to MIM is also about experiencing the sensory nature of music and how it affects our emotions. Through state-of-the-art, interactive media, guests can see the instruments, hear their sounds, and observe them being played in their original contexts.

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MIM’s Architecture

MIM’s design draws on concepts from music to reflect the museum’s mission.

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MIM in the Community

We believe that music has the power to make the world better. Learn how MIM fosters arts and culture in the Phoenix area and beyond.

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“The music drew me into not so much a tour as a soundtrack, carrying me from room to room. The displays here are not just history, but art and apparel and gear and video and written notes and so . . . much . . . sound!”

—MIM guest, Facebook

“Seeing the Swedish instruments not only helped me understand how music influenced my people’s culture, but also connected me to my ancestors.”

—MIM guest, Instagram

“Get a glimpse at music and how it binds the world together. . . . What a cultural gem, a true touchstone regardless where you come from or what kinds of beats you play in your head.”

—MIM guest, Tripadvisor