Aug 29, 2010

MIM - shut up and listen!

The MIM, Musical Instruments Museum of Brussels is my personal no. 1 among the museums I've been to so far! I'll try to explain why is it so...
First of all, I might be asked: what if somebody doesn't feel like entering the museum?
Well, I have great news! The museum's building, located on the Mont des Arts, is worth admiring even just from the outside. This XIXth century former department store is a magnificent example of the art nouveau style. Its neoclassical surrounding makes it look even more outstanding. But that's not enough! What would you say about getting into the building, picking up a free access ticket to the restaurant and having a coffee on the 5th - roof floor? Just imagine that view over the city.

In case somebody actually decides to check out the MIM's exhibition, just after paying the 5 euro admission fee (students - 4 euro, on Wednesdays free!) is given a pair of huge headphones, which dependently on the instrument, that the particular person is looking at, play the right piece of music. For example, in the picture below, Daniel is standing in front of the window that presents a couple of traditional Mexican instruments, on the spot which enables him to hear the Mexican music. By the way, this part was our favourite.

In comparison with the Traditional Musical Instruments Museum in Szydłowiec (Poland), I really appreciate this great collection of musical instruments from all around the world and the way how interactively presented they are. I believe that it would be even better if the visitors were given a chance to play the instruments, as they do in its Japanese equivalent in Hamamatsu. Anyway, if they get really inspired, they might get their own instruments in the museum's shop full of various musical stuff.

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