The 16th Century String Instruments Display at the Musical Instrument Museum
Instruments represent a pinnacle of human innovation. For many millennia, we have devised methods to produce music and have subsequently honed our skills on the instruments that allow us to achieve this. The earliest known musical instrument is a rudimentary flute estimated to be between 50,000 and 60,000 years old. If you are intrigued by musical instruments, particularly as a means to explore cultural traditions, then a visit to the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, is a must.
MIM serves as an institution that exhibits instruments from around the globe. Founder Bob Ulrich recognized that prior to his efforts, the majority of musical museums predominantly showcased Western classical instruments. This realization led him to establish a museum dedicated to the common instruments played by individuals worldwide. Today, MIM boasts a collection of over 7,500 instruments representing more than 200 countries and territories.
The museum features special exhibitions that highlight remarkable instruments. Its latest exhibition, titled Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars, presents more than 70 string instruments crafted by European makers from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with a special emphasis on the renowned artisan Antonio Stradivari. His craftsmanship, along with that of others, underscores the outstanding artistry involved in creating violins, guitars, lutes, and bows. The end products are timeless instruments that continue to be valued today.
“The name Stradivarius is synonymous with the pinnacle of violin making,” states Matthew Zeller, MIM’s curator for Europe. “Other European instrument makers achieved similar levels of excellence. This exhibition will familiarize visitors with these significant makers and uncover many intriguing relationships between the art of violin making and guitar making, allowing attendees to connect centuries-old masterpieces to contemporary instruments in their own lives.”
Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars is currently on display at MIM.
The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) presents an exhibition showcasing over 70 string instruments from European artisans from the 16th to 19th centuries.
Titled Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars, the exhibition emphasizes the extraordinary craftsmanship of Antonio Stradivari and other stringed instruments.
The outcome is enduring instruments that are still revered today.
Musical Instrument Museum: [Website](https://mim.org/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mimphx/?hl=en) | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mimphx/)
*My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Musical Instrument Museum.*
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