Explore new legendary musical instruments in Rediscover Treasures! Reserve your exhibition tickets ›
Included with paid museum admission; free for members
Explore the enchanting rhythms and sounds of the Middle East!
Supported by Arizona State University
Programming supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture and Arizona Commission on the Arts
All activities are happening Saturday and Sunday unless noted otherwise.
Craft: Mihbāj 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. South El Río Make a mihbāj, an object that is both a coffee grinder and a percussion instrument!
Photo Booth 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. El Río Have your picture taken in our hands-free photo booth! Digitally share your pictures and tag us with #MIMphx for a chance to be featured on our social media.
Performance: Iranian Classical Music 11:30 a.m.–noon North El Río Watch Iranian tār player and maker Farrokh Mahaee perform Iranian classical music.
Talk: Andrea Shaheen Espinosa and Layale Chaker 12:30–1:00 p.m., Saturday Event Room 2 Hear Andrea Shaheen Espinosa, an associate professor in Arizona State University’s School of Social Transformation and School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, in a conversation with award-winning violinist and composer Layale Chaker.
Instrument Spotlight: Violin 12:30–1:00 p.m., Sunday Event Room 2 Play a violin from MIM’s collection with Layale Chaker and musicians from Layali Al-Sham, Arizona State University’s Middle East music ensemble.
Performance: Arizona State University’s Middle East Music Ensemble 1:30–2:00 p.m. North El Río Listen to the intriguing sounds of the Middle East during this captivating performance from Layali Al-Sham, Arizona State University’s Middle East music ensemble.
Performance: Dabke United Dance Troupe 2:30–2:40 p.m., Saturday North El Río Watch the fun and energetic circle and line dancing of dabke, a folk dance popular in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Lecture: Chouki El Hamel 2:30–3:00 p.m., Sunday Event Room 2 Join Chouki El Hamel, a professor from the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University, for a discussion about Moroccan gnawa music and its impact throughout the Middle East.
Special Performance: Layale Chaker and Sarafand 3:15–4:15 p.m. North El Río Hear the myriad sounds of the Middle East with world-renowned violinist and composer Layale Chaker and her ensemble, Sarafand. Chaker is an accomplished musician who has won numerous awards and accolades. She has performed with the acclaimed Silkroad Ensemble, collaborated with various classical music groups such as the Oxford Orchestra and the Holland Baroque, and performed at popular concert halls such as the Berlin Philharmonic and Royal Albert Hall.
Programming is subject to change.
Lunch at Café Allegro Offered daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Enjoy a menu of delicious global cuisine with fresh entrées, salads, soups, and grill items showcasing local produce and flavors from around the world.
Shop the Museum Store The Museum Store will feature an assortment of CDs and books, as well as jewelry and crafts from Afghanistan and Jordan.
Members save 10% on most items in the Museum Store and online. Every purchase benefits MIM and its programs.
