WORLD CLASS MUSEUM OPENS

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The world's first global Musical Instrument Museum opened its doors April 24 just about three minutes from our front door. Guests are treated to the sounds of more than 12,000 instruments in an unparalleled setting. You encounter an innovative experience with a global vision, including a special artist gallery that includes the rare and remarkable--like the Steinway piano John Lennon composed "Imagine" on.

This new museum will become a landmark for Phoenix. Bob Ulrich, MIM founder and board chairman said, "Our team has made enormous strides toward creating a museum like no other, where guests will see and hear how people everywhere share their experiences through music."

Grand in scale and scope, the $250 million project located just south of Desert Ridge is already a significant presence in Phoenix. More than a museum, visitors will find a performance hall, recording studio, garden courtyard, restaurant, cafe', classrooms and store.

The museum has advanced technology and high-resolution video screens, enabling guests to see instruments, their sounds and see them being played in their original settings--in performances that are often as spectacular as the instruments themselves.

In addition to Lennon, guests will enjoy video of concert footage, photographs and costumes from artists like Paul Simon, George Benson and Black Eyed Peas drummer Keith Harris--to name a few.

MIM President and Director Bill DeWalt said, "Our curatorial team has literally searched the world to collect diverse instruments that will spark the imagination of our guests, demonstrating the breadth of our musical heritage."

Me in front of John Lennon's piano.