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Phoenix, Arizona: Musical Instrument Museum

See the guitar of Elvis, the piano of John Lennon. Over 15,000 musical instruments, including an entire gallery of mechanical bands.

Address:
4725 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ
Directions:
Northeast side of the city. I-17 exit 214C. Drive east on the Hwy 101 Loop for 7.5 miles. Take exit 31. Drive south on Tatum Blvd. At the first stoplight, turn right onto E. Mayo Blvd. You'll see the museum and its parking lot on the left.
Hours:
Daily 9-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
480-478-6000
Admission:
Adults $20.
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Visitor Tips and News About Musical Instrument Museum

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Musical Instrument Museum

Quite possibly the most underrated museum attraction in the state of Arizona. You get special headphones included with admission that automatically play audio/video of the instruments when you're looking at them. The restaurant also has an executive chef team and has won multiple awards. You'll spend most of the day at the MIM (its huge), but definitely figure on lunch there. The menu changes every so often, including themed menus inspired by famous musicians (Elvis-themed menu when I was there, fried okra and catfish, as well as Elvis peanut butter banana sandwiches). Definitely check the event calendar online before you go, as they always have cool events going on. Lots of musicians give talks and performances.

[Jack, 08/27/2023]

Musical instruments of many lands.

Musical Instrument Museum

Great place. I spent 6 hours there. Seems like there's a display from every country on every continent. Also nice exhibits on well known rock, jazz, classical, Latin music.

[Barbara, 01/16/2020]

Lennon's Imagine piano.

John Lennon's Piano and Elvis Presley's Guitar

The musical instrument museum has artists from all over the world and is a must for anyone interested in music. The exhibits include instruments from Elvis, John Lennon, Johnny Cash, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. It is a museum where you can easily spend a few hours.

[Kyle, 01/20/2017]

John Lennon owned a number of pianos during his lifetime, but the one in the museum is the one on which he composed, "Imagine."

Johnny Smith guitar.

Musical Instrument Museum

Unexpectedly diverse, complete, well-done, and large! This is a "must visit" place for anyone interested in musical instruments. with instruments from all around the world. Plan on spending a few hours wandering through the vast collection of instruments on display.

The museum also hosts performances and workshops featuring top musicians from around the world. There is also a nice cafe on site selling great food as well as beer and wine.

[Jim Nedved, 08/08/2016]
Musical Instrument Museum

Very interesting exhibits and beautifully designed building. A lot of ethnic and traditional instruments and a few sections of contemporary artists and local Arizona artists such as Alice Cooper. Plan on spending several hours at least if you want to see all the instruments.

[Jack, 06/24/2016]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Big Dog StatueBig Dog Statue, Phoenix, AZ - 5 mi.
Frank Lloyd Wright's SpireFrank Lloyd Wright's Spire, Scottsdale, AZ - 4 mi.
Learn Your CactiLearn Your Cacti, Scottsdale, AZ - 5 mi.
In the region:
World's 4th Tallest Freshwater Fountain, Fountain Hills, AZ - 16 mi.

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