Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day 2014 with MIM, the Best Museum in Phoenix

Of all the places in Phoenix to spend St. Patrick’s Day, we bet the Musical Instrument Museum - your 2013 pick for Best Museum in Phoenix – didn’t come to mind right away.

Well believe it or not, the MIM has two green exhibits this St. Paddy’s Day. Sneak a little learning into your kiddo’s weekend, along with the chocolate gold coins and Irish potatoes.

Olympia

When was the last time you saw a real-live lime green Steinway piano? Olympia, a piano designed and created by famed glass artist Dale Chihuly, features a green case and yellow and orange keys. The piano lid’s translucent top features an original painting by Chihuly.

How does a technicolor piano sound? Experience two world-class pianist performances this spring on Olympia in the Artist Gallery, with one-half hour Museum Encounters on March 29, March 30, April 7 and April 9. The piano remains on display through May 18.

Experience Ireland, presented by Petsmart

On March 15-16, the Saturday and Sunday prior to St. Paddy’s Day, the Musical Instrument Museum will present Experience Ireland − two days of Celtic-inspired festivities complete with Irish dance, a Celtic harp ensemble, storytellers, the chance to create and decorate a bodhran (a type of drum), face painting and a photo booth with costumes.

If your family works up an appetite celebrating, you will be able to select from a delectable menu of items for purchase all weekend, courtesy of Café Allegro. On the menu are Irish chicken and cream soup with potatoes and leeks; roasted Irish wild salmon marinated in Irish whiskey and honey; Irish stout-lamb stew with potatoes, carrots and parsley; and chocolate and orange Guinness cake. 

Admission
General Admission: $18
Teens (ages 13‒19): $14
Children (ages 4‒12): $10
Children 3 and under: Free

“Experience Ireland” Museum Hours
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.