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Extraordinary, Sought-After String Instruments by Iconic European Makers Coming to MIM

PHOENIX (October 2, 2024) — On November 8, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) opens its newest special exhibition: Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars. The exhibition presents more than 70 exemplary string instruments and bows made by Antonio Stradivari and other preeminent European makers of the 16th to the 19th century. This collection of spectacular violins, guitars, lutes, and bows shows how the materials and techniques developed by Stradivari and other iconic luthiers, such as Andrea Amati and Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù,” elevated fine string instruments into timeless masterpieces that remain astonishing today.

“The name Stradivarius is synonymous with the pinnacle of violin making,” says Matthew Zeller, MIM’s curator for Europe. “Other European instrument makers achieved similar levels of excellence. This exhibition will introduce guests to these influential makers and reveal many fascinating connections between violin making and guitar making, providing guests with an opportunity to relate centuries-old masterworks to modern instruments in their own lives.”

In addition to historic instruments from MIM’s permanent collection and loans from renowned institutions such as the National Music Museum, the exhibition features loans from private collectors, many of which have never been publicly displayed.

Exhibition highlights include:

  • “Tartini” violin by Antonio Stradivari, 1726. This magnificent violin was made during the great Cremonese master’s late period and is one of the most prized instruments in the world. Private Collection
  • Mandolino coristo by Antonio Stradivari, c. 1700–1710. One of only two known surviving mandolins by Stradivari, this instrument is displayed with its original case. Loan courtesy of Beare Violins Ltd
  • Violin by Andrea Amati, c. 1560s. Andrea Amati created the violin and the violin family as we know them today. This violin is one of only twenty-three documented Amati instruments known to survive today. MIM Collection
  • Violin by Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesù,” 1728. This important violin dates to the early period of Guarneri’s independence, displaying the influence of his father’s training but also his personal style. Loan courtesy of Beare Violins Ltd
  • Violin bow by François Xavier Tourte, c. 1785. Often called the “Stradivarius of the bow,” François Xavier Tourte solidified the modern bow in its current form and refined its features. Loan courtesy of Kenneth Warren & Son, Ltd.
  • Guitar from the school of Matteo Sellas, c. 1625. This Venetian guitar is embellished with ivory, ebony, tortoiseshell, and pearl, and it has a tiered “wedding cake” rose, a common feature of guitars until the mid-18th century. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection
  • Guitar by Alexandre Voboam, 1652. Fewer than 30 guitars signed by members of the Voboam family survive today; this is one of three made in 1652 by the great Parisian maker Alexandre Voboam. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection
  • Chitarriglia by Joachim Tielke, 1684. This lavishly decorated small guitar was made to be tuned higher than the conventionally sized baroque guitar. Loan courtesy of Austin-Marie Collection

The opening weekend of Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars will be celebrated with a three-day Signature Event at MIM on November 8, 9, and 10. The weekend will include family-friendly activities such as curator talks, instrument conservation talks, and instrument demonstrations. The programming also includes live performances by violin virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine, guitar experts Jeff Wells and Jon Mendle, the Phoenix Symphony, and more.

For information about opening weekend and other exhibition programming, visit MIM.org.

Presenting sponsor U.S. Bank

The Musical Instrument Museum is located at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard in Phoenix (corner of Tatum and Mayo Boulevards, just south of Loop 101). For general museum information and a full schedule of events, visit MIM.org or call 480.478.6000.***

About MIM

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) enriches our world by collecting, preserving, and making accessible an astonishing variety of musical instruments and performance videos from every country in the world. MIM offers guests a welcoming and fun experience, incomparable interactive technology, dynamic programming, and exceptional musical performances. MIM fosters appreciation of the world’s diverse cultures by showing how we innovate, adapt, and learn from each other to create music—the language of the soul. To learn more about MIM, visit MIM.org.

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Media Contact

Sydney Rich
Communications Specialist
sydney.rich@MIM.org
480.245.6953