The history and development of music, its expression throughout the world in various regions, cultures, and eras, reveals something innately human... our pervasive love of sound. As the MIM repeats throughout its expansive exhibits, "Music is the language of the soul."
A museum of instruments might seem a point of interest for fieldtripping youngsters or music ethnologists, but for the general public? As an aspiring museum aficionado, the MIM is an incredible experience for any and all. Whether a musician or just a fan of music, history, music, art, music, geography, or music, this museum is not to be missed.
Not only does the MIM house the largest collection of musical instruments in the world, the curators have gone to ends of the earth and beyond to track down rare instruments and musical experiences.
I must especially emphasize the importance this museum holds for musicians and music lovers. The shape and color of your favorite music reforms with greater understanding and a deeper sense of awe in such a devoted space. New directions and possibilities abound in looking at what has been done and what people are capable of through music.
Mitch, our fearless and informative tour guide, takes us around the world making sure we don't miss key features of each region.
Listening stations are arranged throughout the musuem to offer samplings of instruments and music found throughout the world. Here two visitors learn about the history of the microphone, or as the kids say, the MIC.
Not only have the MIM's curators collected instruments from around the world, they also brought back related items like costumes wore in cermonial dances.
Model for the instrument that welcomes visitors to the museum
Sure, in a photograph this instrument might appear to be just another unassuming stringed instrument, but in reality the octobass stands around 18 feet high and requires the musician to stand on a little stool in order to reach the levers that compress the strings.
Some truly beautiful, truly unique, magnificent instruments can be seen at the Musicial Instrument Museum including this charmingly painted porcelin violin, the pink sax, and the glass trumpet.
The puppets seen here are just one part of the Gamelan, a massive Indonesian "instrument" that is actually an entire symphony complete with accompanying tales acted out by the attached puppets.
Lutes, like this one seated in one of the MIM's picturesque displays, are linked to both the ancient Egyptian 'Ud and the modern guitar we all know and love.
One of the many, glorious gongs found throughout the museum. No worries, folks, there is one avaible for guests to try out in the Expierence Room. Also available is an exhibit that shows just how gongs are brought to life.
Housing such an eclectic display of axes, the MIM features not only Eric Clapton's "Brownie" but also this weapon of choice for pop princess's yet to come...
The musem begins by showing the trail of human migration and the music that followed
You'd wish we'd tell you about this instrument that takes up a whole wall, but you're going to have find out about this one on your own!
