Hot Air Expeditions
$50+Sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, with a champagne toast after landing.
4725 E Mayo Blvd · Phoenix, AZ
MIM displays instruments from more than 200 countries, from a Steinway once played by John Lennon to full gamelan ensembles, paired with video of the instruments actually being performed. Live concerts run most nights in the on-site theater.
General museums guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Check the special exhibition separately
Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.
Look for the free window
Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.
Travel light through the door
Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.
Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons
School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.
The closest stops to Musical Instrument Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Sunrise hot air balloon flights over the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, with a champagne toast after landing.
7.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours
Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and architecture studio, built into the desert foothills he loved.
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Arizona's largest aquarium, with a rotating tunnel that carries visitors right through the shark tank.
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Smithsonian affiliate museum in Old Town Scottsdale devoted to Western American art, history and culture.
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Nonprofit collection of over 170 classic cars, hot rods and automobilia in Glendale.
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One of the world's foremost collections of Native American art and culture, in a Spanish Colonial building.
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