Phoenix: Musical Instrument Museum Entry Ticket & Audio Guide

Summary

Explore global sounds in Phoenix with hands-on music moments

You’ll wander through Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum with an audio guide in your own language, hearing rare sounds and stories from around the world. Try your hand at real instruments in the Experience Gallery, see pieces played by legends like Elvis and Prince, and refuel with global dishes at Café Allegro. It’s less like a museum visit and more like stepping inside music itself.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past the front desk at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix when the woman handing out headsets grinned and said, “You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time.” She wasn’t kidding. Right away, you can hear this soft hum — not music exactly, but all these overlapping notes drifting from different corners. The place smells faintly like polished wood and something I can’t quite name, maybe old brass? Anyway, we started wandering and I lost track of which continent we were supposed to be on — one minute it’s Mongolian throat singing on a video screen, next it’s Johnny Cash’s guitar under glass. My partner kept stopping to point out things I’d missed. There’s a lot you miss if you rush.

I tried to pronounce “erhu” (Li laughed when I butchered it), and then we ended up in the Experience Gallery where they actually let you play some instruments. There was this little kid banging on a drum who looked so serious about it that his mom couldn’t stop giggling. It’s weirdly freeing to just make noise in public. The audio guide is kind of magic — as soon as you walk up to an exhibit, it knows where you are and plays the right sound or story. Sometimes I’d just stand there listening, not even looking at anything in particular, just letting the music fill up my head for a bit.

We grabbed lunch at Café Allegro (the curry was better than expected — spicier too) before checking out the museum store, which is basically a rabbit hole if you like quirky gifts or anything music-related. By the end my feet were tired but my brain felt wide awake. I still think about that moment with the throat singing echoing in my ears while someone nearby tried to play a steel drum for the first time — kind of sums up the whole day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix

• Check in at Guest Service desk
• Receive headset and guidePORT
• Explore global music exhibits
• Visit Artist Gallery
• Play instruments in Experience Gallery
• Dine at Café Allegro
• Shop at Museum Store
• Use free parking
• Check large bags at Guest Service

Top questions

Is the Musical Instrument Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the museum.

Does my ticket include an audio guide?

Yes, entry includes a headset and guidePORT audio guide for self-guided touring.

Can children use strollers inside MIM?

Yes, strollers are welcome and infants or small children can ride in them inside MIM.

Is parking free at MIM Phoenix?

Yes, parking is free for all visitors at the Musical Instrument Museum.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the museum.

How many instruments are on display?

The museum features over 4,200 musical instruments from around the world.

Can I bring food or drinks into MIM?

No, food and drink are not allowed inside; however, Café Allegro is available onsite.

Do I need to check large bags?

Yes, backpacks or bags larger than 18 x 18 inches must be checked at Guest Service.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum with a personal headset and audio guide for exploring exhibits at your own pace; free parking onsite; stroller and wheelchair access everywhere; plus options to eat global cuisine at Café Allegro or browse creative gifts in the museum store before heading home whenever you’re ready.