MIM Marks 15 Melodious Years

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of the Musical Instrument Museum

In the spring of 2010, an ambitious vision took shape in North Phoenix — a museum dedicated to showcasing humanity’s shared musical heritage. Today, as the Musical Instrument Museum prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary, that vision has evolved into a cultural cornerstone that draws visitors from all across the globe to experience the world’s largest collection of musical instruments.

“One of MIM’s core principles is constant evolution,” says Brian Dredla, the museum’s chief engagement officer, who has been with the institution since before its doors opened. “Walking through MIM today, I see how our galleries have evolved, featuring more exhibits, vibrant colors and dynamic audiovisual content.”

That evolution is evident in the numbers: More than 3.9 million guests have explored MIM’s galleries since its opening, with the collection growing to encompass over 12,000 instruments and objects from every country in the world. The museum’s concert program has experienced particularly dramatic growth, expanding from fewer than 100 performances annually in its early years to 326 concerts that drew more than 91,000 guests in 2024.

The museum’s commitment to constant improvement extends beyond its exhibits. MIM has introduced several innovative spaces over the years, including the Encore Gallery in 2016 — a hands-on area focused on early childhood education — and the Collier STEM Gallery in 2018, which bridges the gap between music and technology.

In the Orientation Gallery, a new Acquisition of the Month display showcases recently acquired notable instruments, offering returning visitors fresh discoveries with each visit. Recent highlights have included a 1939 Gibson acoustic guitar played by Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the “godmother of rock and roll,” and a Ludwig snare drum used by Rick Allen on early Def Leppard albums. The museum has also acquired a pair of intricately carved 19th-century Maori flutes from New Zealand, exemplifying MIM’s commitment to preserving musical heritage from every corner of the globe.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a large and engaged community of live music lovers who consistently support the MIM Music Theater,” Dredla says. “Their trust in our programming choices is evident in the number of sold-out performances we see — even when featuring artists who aren’t yet household names. Our guests trust that if it’s being presented at MIM, it’s going to be exceptional.”

The museum’s impact extends far beyond its walls, particularly in education. More than 620,000 students have participated in field trips to MIM, with programs reaching schools in 28 states and countries including China, Italy, Mexico and Canada. Recent initiatives have expanded into STEM content, including activities with coding and musical robots.

“I really hope that MIM is viewed as a vital community resource,” Dredla says. “We work with numerous partner organizations — from school districts and universities to senior centers and cultural organizations. These partnerships help us connect with important audiences while bringing fresh perspectives and expertise that enhance our work.”

Looking ahead to 2025, the museum is strengthening its support for music education through several pilot programs.

“We’ve created performance opportunities for young musicians, including private studio recitals and a jazz day featuring bands from a local school district,” Dredla explains. “We’ve also developed a professional development program for music teachers in partnership with MusicFirst, a music education technology company.”

The museum’s Target Gallery continues to host world-class special exhibitions, with 16 different presentations since opening. The current exhibition, “Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars,” is on track to be one of the most highly attended special exhibitions in MIM’s history.

The museum’s Artist Gallery, already home to instruments from legends like Prince, Johnny Cash and Elvis, has expanded to include exhibits showcasing Mercedes Sosa, the influential Argentine singer, and Madonna’s early band instruments. These additions reflect MIM’s commitment to representing diverse musical traditions and artists who have shaped global popular culture.

While the instruments and exhibits form the heart of MIM, the museum has evolved into a complete cultural destination. Café Allegro and Beats Coffee Shop have become dining destinations in their own right, offering everything from quick snacks to global entrees that complement the museum’s international focus.

The MIM Museum Store has also grown into a must-visit destination, perfectly reflecting the museum’s global mission with an extensive selection of musical instruments, MIM-branded clothing and unique, one-of-a-kind items that allow visitors to take a piece of their experience home.

To mark its 15th anniversary, MIM has planned an ambitious three-day celebration April 4–6, featuring at least 15 different activities and performances each day. The weekend will showcase the vast diversity of music represented at MIM, with performances by local musicians who have been part of the museum’s journey alongside new artists making their MIM debut.

“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have explored MIM countless times before, this weekend celebration promises something special for everyone,” Dredla says. “You might even discover your new favorite artist or musical genre!”

The celebration will include demonstrations of two of the museum’s most requested instruments: the massive Robjohn pipe organ and the octobasse, both located in the Orientation Gallery. A special anniversary scavenger hunt will guide visitors to discover fascinating details about objects throughout the galleries.

What truly sets MIM apart, according to Dredla, is its approach to the guest experience, supported by more than 550 dedicated volunteers who have contributed over 525,000 hours since the museum’s opening.

“These volunteers are friendly, approachable and essential to enhancing every visitor’s experience,” he says. “We simply couldn’t do what we do without their support.”

The museum also stands out for its innovative approach to operations. Every team member completes at least yellow-belt level training in Lean Six Sigma, a process improvement methodology that optimizes efficiency and prioritizes customer needs. Dredla became MIM’s first Six Sigma Black Belt in 2019, bringing valuable tools for solving operational challenges and improving daily workflows.

As MIM enters its next chapter, its board and leadership remain deeply committed to creating an unrivaled experience for guests. Multiple exciting projects are on the horizon, ranging from cutting-edge technology enhancements to expanded tour offerings and compelling special exhibitions.

“Our founder established a clear vision for MIM that continues to guide us: creating authentic, engaging exhibits; developing impactful educational and public programs; and celebrating live music in our Music Theater,” Dredla explains. “As we look ahead, we’re focused on redefining the museum experience while staying true to these core principles and exceeding our guests’ expectations.”

For Dredla, whose journey with MIM began as a part-time role to supplement his work as a professional clarinetist, the museum’s evolution has been personally meaningful.

“Over these past 16-plus years, I’ve worn many hats and worked alongside amazing colleagues — some who’ve been here almost as long as I have,” he reflects. “Since music is something people connect with every day, the connection between my work and music continues to excite me.”

As MIM celebrates its 15th anniversary, it continues to redefine what a museum can be — not just preserving musical heritage but actively celebrating the living, breathing culture of music that connects us all. With its combination of world-class exhibits, educational programs and performance spaces, MIM stands as a testament to music’s power to bring people together and inspire the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

mim.org

The instruments featured in the following photographs represent 15 must-see instruments MIM acquired within the past five years. Each piece tells a unique story of musical innovation, cultural significance or historical importance. From Madonna’s first drum set to a 5th century B.C. Chinese bell, these recent acquisitions showcase MIM’s commitment to preserving and sharing our global musical heritage.

Famous acoustic engineer Lloyd Loar designed this unique 1922 Gibson 10-string mando-viola specifically for his own use as a touring concert artist, making it a one-of-a-kind testament to musical innovation.
Created by Andrea Amati, the founding father of violin making, this circa 1560s violin from Cremona, Italy, is one of only 23 documented surviving instruments that demonstrate his revolutionary standardization of the violin family.
Master Armenian luthiers Artin and Ohannes Uzunyan crafted this 1893 Turkish oud for the Ottoman court, helping establish new design standards that would distinguish the Turkish oud by the 1890s.
This 1949 Gibson J-50 guitar belonged to Mike Condello, who played it extensively during his appearances on “The Wallace and Ladmo Show,” a beloved fixture of Arizona television for generations of viewers.
Before becoming a global pop icon, Madonna was the drummer in her first band, Breakfast Club, and this circa-1976 Slingerland drum set accompanied her earliest musical endeavors.
This stunning Erard grand piano, which earned Grand Prix honors at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair alongside the debut of the Eiffel Tower, showcases exceptional craftsmanship through its meticulous wooden marquetry and gilt bronze mounts.
Theobald Boehm’s 1849 flute from Munich represents a complete reconception of the instrument, featuring a cylindrical bore and innovative key system that would influence the development of modern woodwind instruments.
Among the largest of its kind in Western collections, this elaborately decorated Chinese bo bell from the 5th century B.C. stands as a magnificent example of ancient bronze craftsmanship.
This rare early 19th-century Māori kōauau flute exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship through its exquisitely carved design, featuring intricate rolling spiral patterns in raised relief.
These late 19th-century Seto harps from the Central African Republic were conceived as distinctly male and female figures, with carved legs, heads and torsos defined by skin-covered resonators that might reference Seto and Nabo, a primordial couple.
This impressive 1940s Guatemalan marimba grande, requiring four musicians to play its 6 1/2 octaves, represents the evolution of the instrument from its African origins through Central American innovation.
Mercedes Sosa, known as “the voice of Latin America,” played this 1970s Andean bombo drum during a tumultuous period when her powerful performances became symbols of the struggle for freedom and democracy.
This early 1700s Indian sarinda, one of only four known examples made entirely of ivory, features outstanding craftsmanship and elaborate decoration that suggests it was created for a courtly patron in Bijapur, Central India.
Carved from a single dense log, this 1940s Nigerian slit drum features a protective spirit figure and produces various pitches through its unique design with a “voice” that may have summoned village members during important occasions..
Before joining MIM’s collection, this circa 1930 Vuvi figurative drum from Gabon was prized by prominent art collectors for its sophisticated sculptural qualities, enhanced by pigments matching the body painting of Bwiti spiritual association initiates.

MIM’s 15th Anniversary Celebration

April 4–6 // 9 a.m.–5 p.m. // Musical Instrument Museum // 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix // $20 adults, $15 teens (13–19), $10 children (4–12), children 3 and under free // 480-478-6000 // mim.org