Located in the Target Gallery, MIM’s special exhibitions showcase a brand-new or entirely redesigned project every year, ensuring that first-time guests and repeat visitors alike discover remarkable highlights and unforgettable musical traditions on every visit. All exhibitions are exclusive to MIM.
Unearthed Musical Masterpieces from the Southern Kingdoms of Ancient China
Exhibition Opening November 6, 2026
Experience the resounding splendor of long-buried musical treasures in Unearthed Musical Masterpieces from the Southern Kingdoms of Ancient China. Organized by MIM and the Hubei Provincial Museum under the guidance of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, this landmark exhibition presents an unprecedented collection of more than 70 ancient musical instruments and associated objects, including 40 objects never before seen in the United States and 10 Grade One Cultural Relics—China’s highest designation for national treasures.
Past Exhibitions
November 7, 2025–September 13, 2026
The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power explored the enduring impact of the world’s first wind instrument, presenting more than 100 remarkable flutes from the dawn of music to the present day and celebrating the resounding influence of the flute on cultures from around the world.
November 8, 2024–September 14, 2025
Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars presented more than 70 of the most extraordinary and sought-after string instruments from iconic European makers of the 16th to the 19th century.
November 10, 2023–September 15, 2024
November 11, 2022–September 10, 2023
November 12, 2021–October 16, 2022
November 8, 2019–September 12, 2021
November 9, 2018–September 15, 2019
November 10, 2017–May 6, 2018
November 5, 2016–September 4, 2017
Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars
November, 2024 – September 2025
Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars presents more than 70 of the most extraordinary and sought-after string instruments from iconic European makers of the 16th to the 19th century.
Acoustic America: Iconic Guitars, Mandolins, and Banjos
November 10, 2023 – September 15, 2024
In partnership with Acoustic Disc, Acoustic America presented a collection of 90 historic stringed instruments—mandolins, guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and more—that have shaped generations of American music since before the Civil War.
Rediscover Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments
November 11, 2022 – September 10, 2023
Rediscover Treasures highlighted monumental moments in music history from rare historical instruments to modern-day treasures, like Eric Clapton’s famed 1956 Fender Stratocaster “Brownie” and Prince’s purple grand piano.
Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments
November 12, 2021 – October 16, 2022
Treasures shared global human achievement and musical ingenuity through an Amati violin likely made for a royal marriage, the oldest guitar still in existence, a shell trumpet from the Maya civilization, Jimi Hendrix’s Black Widow guitar, and more historic instruments.
Congo Masks and Music: Masterpieces from Central Africa
November 8, 2019 – September 12, 2021
Congo Masks and Music offered a glimpse into the dramatic and lively masquerade traditions of Central Africa with an exclusive collection of more than 150 stunning and rare masks, instruments, and costumes from the late 1800s to early 1900s.
The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon
November 9, 2018 – September 15, 2019
The Electric Guitar showcased more than 80 of the rarest electric guitars and amplifiers in the world―from some of the first ever heard to those played by the most famous electric guitarists known today.
Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China: Harmony of the Ancients from the Henan Museum
November 10, 2017 – May 6, 2018
Presented in partnership with the prestigious Henan Museum, Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China explored the connection between music, people, heaven, and earth through extremely rare instruments and artworks on display for the first time in the United States.
Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces
November 5, 2016 – September 4, 2017
Presented in partnership with Pearl Works, Dragons and Vines featured a collection of instruments focused on the stunning designs created by the greatest contemporary North American inlay artists and luthiers.