Let me tell you - if you’re a fan of folk music in the least, you want to go see this. I guess its the only museum of its kind in the world. We spent eight hours there looking at stuff last week.
It was really cool to do. You get headphones and videos and music play when you walk close to a display, featuring the instruments in it. Its all separated out by country or region.
It was really an amazing experience. Yes, they had tin whistles and flageolets.
If you ever get a chance to go, do it. Its worth the entrance fee, for sure!
Wow, who knew? Thanks for the tip and the link! It looks like a very nice facility with interesting programs. And Arizona can use some positive publicity at the moment …
The two collections I’ve spent any time in are the Met in NYC and the MIM in Brussels. Both are well worth daylong visits by any music geek.
I’m ashamed to say I’ve never visited our local “museum” here in Carlsbad. But the focus on rock and contemporary music is of far less interest.
It’s a very interesting place. They even have a room with a number of instruments you can try (if you don’t mind being the biggest kid in the room) . The tinwhistle collection is a bit thin. I only spotted a couple of cheapies and no low D’s. They do have bagpipes from all over the world. We spent the best part of a day there and I can’t wait to go back.
I remember getting notice when they were forming. They’re not the only game in town. I’ve no idea how good MIM is, but I’m sure it is worth your time. If you happen to be in another part of the US you might also want to check out
It is long established and has a huge collection. None, as far as I recall, that you can play but still a large collection. Only about 15% of the collection is on display, but you can make arrangements to see other things if you contact them ahead of time. South Dakota isn’t the center of the universe, but that is a nice museum!
