The Magical Flute: A Celebration of Beauty, Enchantment, and Power at MIM

For those of us who live and breathe the sound of the flute, this autumn brings an exhibition not to be missed. On November 7, 2025, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix will unveil The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power — a sweeping tribute to the world’s oldest wind instrument and its timeless ability to move the human spirit.

Bringing together more than 100 exceptional flutes, the exhibition traces the instrument’s journey from its earliest ceremonial use to the virtuoso performances of today. Each flute tells a story of artistry, innovation, and the universal human impulse to express emotion through breath and tone.

“Throughout history and across the world, the flute has been used to express what it means to be human,” notes curator Matthew Zeller. “This exhibition highlights both shared themes and distinctive practices through the incredible diversity of flute design and sound.”

From Bone to Gold: A Global History in Sound

Among the exhibition’s many treasures are:

• An ancient Chinese yue bone flute from nearly 8,000 years ago, one of the world’s earliest known musical instruments.

• A hitoyogiri flute made for Japanese Emperor Go-Daigo in the 14th century, its lacquered body adorned with dragons and clouds.

• Napoleon’s glass flute of 1813, crafted by Claude Laurent and paired with a cobalt glass flute made for his brother, Louis Bonaparte.

• Sir James Galway’s 18-karat gold flute, sparkling with diamonds — the very instrument of the man who made the flute a household name.

• An elaborate Maya double-duct flute with sculpted mythological figures and birdlike tones, used in ancient rituals.

• A pair of Bamileke chief’s flutes from Cameroon, fully beaded and crowned with horns — regal symbols of power and prestige.

Flutes that Shaped Modern Music

Beyond historical rarities, The Magical Flute also honors artists who redefined the instrument’s role in the modern age. Featured are flutes owned and played by Herbie Mann, whose soulful improvisations brought the flute to jazz prominence; Richard Egües of Cuba’s legendary Orquesta Aragón; R. Carlos Nakai, whose haunting Native American melodies have touched millions; and Sheridon Stokes, the Hollywood flutist behind unforgettable moments in Mission: Impossible, Jaws, and Titanic.

The Visual Poetry of Music

To further immerse visitors in the flute’s cultural world, MIM pairs these instruments with ceremonial regalia and stage costumes. Highlights include Marc Chagall’s dreamlike designs for Mozart’s The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera and Zandra Rhodes’s fantastical costumes for the Seattle Opera’s production. A suit of samurai armor, sharing a family crest with a Japanese flute on display, evokes how deeply music was woven into identity, rank, and ritual.

A Weekend of Celebration

Opening weekend, November 7–9, will feature a three-day Signature Event with live flute performances, curator talks, and family-friendly activities — a rare opportunity to experience the flute’s magic both visually and aurally.

About MIM

The Musical Instrument Museum is home to instruments from every nation on Earth, celebrating music as a universal language. Through its dynamic exhibitions and live performances, MIM invites audiences to experience how music connects cultures and transcends time.

For more information on The Magical Flute: Beauty, Enchantment, and Power and the opening weekend events, visit MIM.org