There is a world in Phoenix, AZ called the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). The MIM is the home of 7,000 musical instruments on display, with 8,000 more on reserve – from a few countries you’ve been to, and many you don’t know much about. Within these walls, you’re invited to explore centuries of sound.

This Harp Guitar that came from Genoa, Italy in 1920, is just one glimpse of the countless extraordinary musical gems on display at the MIM. Also known as a plucked lute, the stringed instrument was made by Paolo de Barbieri (1889-1962) out of spruce, walnut, ebony, and mother-of-pearl. He is considered one of the best violin makers from Genoa, who also made violas, cellos, and guitars – all prized for their rich tone & exquisite craftsmanship. With a Harp Guitar, not only do you have a standard acoustic guitar, but also extra low harp strings which allow you to reinforce your guitar playing with low bass notes.

You can visit mim.org for a better sense of the magnificence inside, but to be present amidst such powerful sights and sounds will surely strike a chord in the soul.

“We have spent the day at the MIM twice and still haven’t seen the whole museum,” says a local Arizonan guest. Their family knows that the next opportunity to travel through the World’s Only Global Instrument Museum means they’ll be “getting lost in the cultures of dance & music all over again,” and they already look forward to the day. “It’s such a magical place.”