Located, of all places, in the deserts of north Phoenix, is the world’s first musical instrument museum. Cleverly titled The Musical Instrument Museum, this mecca for all things tuneful held its grand opening in April of last year. The MIM welcomes the young and old to experience of the diverse history of musical instruments throughout the globe (and some of the most stunning architectural and design innovations the Southwest has seen in years) And did we mention it's home to John Lennon's piano?

The MIM beckons patrons through a contemporary, minimalist courtyard bordered by sprawling desert plantings – all leading to a soaring marble-lined interior atrium. A curvilinear "river” template forms the path connecting the gallery spaces, or continents. Wood, stone and marble floor, wall and ceiling finishes create patterns evocative of the geological striations of the Arizona landscape or - if you’re a right brainer - the rhythms of musical composition. Wide windows and bright skylights illuminate the galleries and public spaces by day, while the bustling activity inside the building reveals the size and grandeur of the building by night.



The Museum creates a colorful, yet intimate space for guests to enjoy encounters with the instruments, enhanced by state-of-the art audio and video. More than 3,000 items from the MIM’s permanent collection are highlighted in Geo-Galleries that focus on five global regions: Africa and the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United States and Canada. Get this: the Asia Geo-Gallery boasts a simulated gong workshop! The MIM’s Artist Gallery features musical instruments linked to world- renowned musicians, as well as video of concert footage, photographs, custom microphones and authentic costumes. Our favorites include the piano on which John Lennon composed “Imagine” (pictured) and the guitar played by Paul Simon at his legendary Central Park concert. Spanning the two floors of the museum is a 299-seat Music Theater with a 1,250-square-foot stage - set to be a premier venue for performances, films and seminars about global musical traditions.



4725 E. Mayo Blvd., 480-478-6000