Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) – Phoenix, AZ, USA
ABOUT THIS COLLECTION
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix is the world’s only truly global museum dedicated to musical instruments. Founded by Bob Ulrich, former CEO of Target Corporation, MIM was envisioned as a new kind of museum that would not only preserve historical instruments but also highlight those played in everyday life across all cultures.
Today, MIM houses more than 7,500 instruments from over 200 countries and territories, representing an unparalleled survey of the world’s musical traditions. Its motto, “music is the language of the soul,” underscores the museum’s mission to show how music both expresses cultural diversity and unites humanity.
Flutes in the Collection:
Flutes form one of the museum’s most diverse and fascinating groups of instruments, presented from every corner of the world:
Native American Flutes – cedar flutes with spiritual and ceremonial roles.
Andean Panpipes (Zampoñas) – central to traditional music of Peru and Bolivia.
Japanese Shakuhachi – bamboo flutes tied to Zen practice and classical repertoire.
Chinese Dizi and Xiao – versatile bamboo flutes used in solo, folk, and orchestral contexts.
Middle Eastern Ney – an ancient end-blown flute essential in Sufi and classical music.
Western Concert Flutes & Piccolos – shown within European galleries, linking history to modern practice.
Each instrument is accompanied by interactive media, allowing visitors to see, hear, and experience flutes being played in their cultural context.
Public Access & Visitor Experience:
On-site: Immersive galleries where visitors can see, hear, and experience instruments through state-of-the-art interactive media. Guests can watch instruments being played in their cultural context and listen to their authentic sounds.
Exhibitions & Events: Regular concerts, talks, and community programs celebrating global musical traditions.
Educational Programs: Workshops, guided tours, and resources that foster cultural appreciation and music education.
Digital Access:
Extensive online resources, videos, and interactive content available through http://www.MIM.org.
Active social media presence on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more.