Say welcome to the Musical Instrument Museum, or MIM, located in Berlin, Germany. It is high time to start the wonderful learning about the development of musical instruments throughout the centuries. Hosting a mesmerizing collection this museum is situated in the capital of Germany – Berlin and will be interesting for lovers of music and history as well as for everyone who is eager to investigate the unknown.
1. The History Behind the Museum
Musical Instrument Museum was established in 1888 by a musicologist Carl Engel and musical instrument maker Philipp Spitta. Originally, it was conceived as an informational source dedicated to musicians and scholars to assist in the compilation of musical references for musical instruments. For the years passed by, everyone have noticed that there are lots of exhibits to display in the museum that it has become so important to move to a new area for the outstanding pieces.
Today it is situated in the Kulturforum complex just to the south of the famous Berlin Philharmonie. With an inventory of more than 3,500 musical instruments from different cultures as well as different epochs, it is possible to say that the MIM is one of the main spaces that proves that music is known and has always been known by man.
2. Exploring the Collections
The Musical Instrument Museum has opened its doors and for anyone who steps into it, they will be welcomed by a display of musical instruments from different regions in the world. There are separate cases categorized by region or period of focus in each of the collections.
2.1 European Instruments
The European part includes the instruments which were important for the creation of western classical music. From the delicate violins made by Antonio Stradivari to the great pipe organs visitors can see how these master pieces were made.
2.2 Non-European Instruments
Enter the door to the world of non-Europe culture with instruments from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. Take a closer look at sitars, kotos, djembe drums, Native American Flutes and more of those fascinating musical instruments. It is very important to be prepared to be surrounded by various and unique genre encompassing different cultures.
2.3 Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions at the MIM are temporary exhibits that further explain certain themes or eras above and beyond the general information provided in the permanent galleries. These temporary displays pull necessary instruments out into the limelight while giving them a more profound historical and cultural context.
3. Live and Emerging Engagement Activities
, an important assumption of the Musical Instrument Museum is all the experiences provided should be engaging and fun. Besides the exhibits there will be play-parts in which one can listen and attempt to play instruments with the help of recorded sounds and pictures.
In addition, during the year, the museum arranges concerts, theatrical and musical performances, workshops with musicians and vitrine experts who share experience and love. What is more, these events offer a unique chance to see the instruments as used by extraordinary singers and performers.
4. Tips for Your Visit
4.1 Plan Ahead
However, it is recommended that before visiting the Musical Instrument Museum, you need to get up-to-date information on the operation of the museum, as well as the cost of tickets and many others by visiting their website. It will help you avoid situations that are sometimes inconveniences to your visit and most importantly, it will maximize your visit to the place without hitches.
4.2 Allow Ample Time
MIM has more than 3,500 musical instruments, which make it a veritable treasure trove of musical instruments. If possible, spare yourself a couple of hours to get a closer look at and feel for each piece of music history and creation.
4.3 Seek Guided Tours
For more depth you should try to arrange a guided tour since these are offered by the Leeds City Museum. Qualified tour leaders will tell more interesting facts and history behind the instrument, and then you can look at it more thoroughly.
4.4 Capture Memories
Various areas of are allowed for photography so it is important that one should carry a camera or smartphone for the purpose of taking memorable shots. Avoid infringing on other visitors space while taking pictures and handling any exhibit.
5. Supporting the Museum
For the fact, the Musical Instrument Museum depends on the support of the public to fulfill its mission of preserving and presenting the musical instruments of the world. It is possible to join the museum or make a donation in order to help save these unique pieces of art.
Conclusion
The Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin it’s simply great for those who have passion for music and those interested in cultural history. Sampling the 300 artifacts of musical instruments, ultra-realistic video performances, and other musical-themed activities, children and adults are able to unlock a whole new world of music that put into human context by bridging the language and geographical differences in a single show.
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