DISCOVER THE MAGICAL FLUTE AT THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM IN PHOENIX
What magic will you discover at The Magical Flute at the Musical Instrument Museum?
While exploring the Magical Flute exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum, I discovered the fascinating beauty and cultural significance of an instrument that had never stood out to me as all that interesting.
If you had asked me to list my top ten instruments, the flute wouldn’t have cracked the top ten. However, the MIM again creates a fascinating exhibit of the specialness of an ubiquitous art form, giving me a new appreciation of it.
From a replica of a 38,000-year-old bone with drilled holes to a carbon-fiber technological wonder created at the end of the 20th century, the flutes displayed demonstrate the link between global cultures over time while also showcasing the uniqueness of the people using these instruments.
Whether created for their exquisite musical tone, to evoke a spiritual feeling, or to flaunt the owner’s wealth, the 100 objects in the Magical Flute display bring history to life from around the globe.
The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power
The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power runs at the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix from November 7, 2025, to September 13, 2026. The exhibit includes flutes made of bone, clay, bamboo, cane, wood, porcelain, ivory, silver, gold, crystal, and carbon fiber. An 8000-year-old Chinese flute made from a vulture bone is the oldest instrument in the Musical Instrument Museum. The exhibit is the first time two Galway flutes have been shown together.
The displays evoke history, culture, religion, spirituality, evolution, beauty, emotion, and global connection. The curators of the five geographic galleries at MIM collaborated to assemble the exhibit’s instruments, costumes, and videos.
Over 45 minutes of video footage play throughout the gallery, featuring curators and experts describing and playing various pieces from the collection, as well as some musical performances referenced in the displays. Jasmine Choi, a Korean virtuoso, seems awestruck and joyful while exquisitely demonstrating the incredible sound and beauty of a few of the special flutes.
Treasures on Display
One display features the glass flute with silver trimmings created for Napoleon Bonaparte by Claude Laurent in 1813. Above this rests the blue glass flute that Napoleon’s brother, Louis, commissioned from Laurent to outshine his sibling.
Perhaps more valuable is the 18-karat gold, diamond-encrusted flute made by Osamu Muramatsu in 2001 for internationally renowned flutist Sir James Galway. One of the oddest-shaped instruments, a six-foot-tall contrabass with a triangular bend, was also played by Galway.
Global Reach of The Magical Flute
The exhibit includes significant clothing, such as the elaborate costumes from the Mozart opera, The Magic Flute, and the stunning performance regalia of acclaimed Native American flute player, R. Carlos Nakai. A suit of Samari armor bears an emblem of the influential Taira clan, also found on a bamboo Japanese flute in the MIM collection.
A collection of sleek wooden whistles and flutes from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Democratic Republic of the Congo that primarily designed for hunting, also served in wartime communication and spiritual practices.
Variously shaped flutes from around the world reflect the unique character of the people who infused them with their breath and soul. Intricate geometric designs grace a nose flute from the Philippines. Engraved patterns adorn 19th-century instruments from the Maori people of New Zealand. Bronze animal sculptures perch on the ends of Indian tiria, used for festivals and dances.
Flute Innovations
One display explains how Theobold Boehm’s innovations in 1828 in Germany led to the creation of modern keyed woodwinds. As a member of the Munich court orchestra, Boehm strove to surpass the tone and volume of a prominent English flutist. He added a system of keys and rings to extend the reach of the performer.
In 1847, he revolutionized the instrument again by switching from wood to metal frames and using acoustic and mathematical principles to create a new system of keys and clutches. This scheme, the Boehm system, underlies the structure of most woodwind instruments to this day.
The Musical Instrument Museum’s Permanent Collection
Beyond the special exhibit, the Musical Instrument Museum offers a treasure trove of experiences of music, history, and culture from around the globe. More than 4200 instruments and cultural objects fill the 200,000 square feet of this architecturally stunning building.
Upon entering, guests receive a wireless headset to listen to videos of musicians and singers featured in each display. Fascinating instruments are interspersed among costumes and other cultural artifacts from every corner of the world.
Five geographically oriented galleries represent over 200 countries and territories. I find it difficult not to dance in front of each display as the music kicks in with the approach of my headset. It is remarkable how instruments from diverse areas of the globe developed so similarly, yet with a flair unique to their peoples.
Special Galleries
The Artist Gallery showcases the instruments and performances of world-renowned musicians. My favorites include one of Prince’s purple pianos, snippets from Elvis Presley movies, and Clara Rockmore’s theremin, given to her by the inventor, Leon Theremin.
Don’t miss the Experience Gallery, where you can try a variety of instruments, including drums and bells, harps, and a theremin. Listen for announcements to gather in the Mechanical Music Gallery for the 27-foot-wide Belgian-made Apollonia orchestrion playing “Copacabana” with 680 wooden and metal organ pipes, two accordions, two saxophones, a xylophone, and a drum kit.
Visitors can spend the day at MIM with a break at Beats Coffee Bar or lunch at Café Allegro. Desert plants and fountains border a serene courtyard that houses the rotating bronze sculpture titled Phoenix, depicting musical instruments. You can also shop for unique musically themed items in the museum store.
Another excellent way to enjoy music at MIM is to attend one of the almost 300 concerts hosted in the gorgeous 300-seat theater. From the comfortable seats, visitors enjoy a great view and state-of-the-art acoustics.
Conclusion
The Magical Flute exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum entertains, educates, and fosters global connection through its fascinating collection of flutes and costumes. The incredible MIM showcases the unique ways in which we enjoy the shared experience of music around the world. It is definitely worth a stop when visiting the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.
After a day at MIM, check out some enjoyable outdoor dining in the beautiful weather of Scottsdale:
