This past weekend I got to experience something amazing. Generations brought together by a few common threads; a love of music, history, and culture.
The big draw this past weekend was the new Elvis exhibit. Swarms of people gathered around a small platform stage as Donny Edwards performed hits from the 50’s & 70’s. He is marketed as “The Next Best Thing to “The King”. I have to agree as hits like Hound Dog and Love Me Tender streamed through the museum I thought I was listening to a recording. On display you can find instruments, clothing, and movie memorabilia. One of my favorites was his 1958 U.S. Army jacket and a set of bongos Priscilla bought him. Elvis Week continues through this Tuesday 8/16 with some special events and featured items in the Cafe.
The Elvis exhibit is what brought us and many other families to the MIM, but there was more to see. The museum is HUGE. On our first visit we spent 4 hours browsing the exhibits. The museum is broken up into regions: Africa/Middle East
, Asia/Oceania
, Latin America and the Caribbean
, United States/Canada
, Europe. There were classics like pianos and guitars, but also the rare, unusual, and homemade. Some of my favorites were the harpsichord and bagpipes from France, Italy, and Scotland. Downstairs features the electronics and artist gallery. Here you can find John Lennon’s piano and a drum from the Olympic opening ceremony in Bejing. Aiden’s favorite was the experience gallery where he could get his hands on everything. He would have loved to continue drumming, plucking, and hitting the different instruments all day.
In an interview with Shelly White, education coordinator, I learned all about the fantastic resources for families and schools. School tours are provided for groups 4th grade and up. Recently, they’ve added a program for K-2, which focuses on the Asia exhibit and incorporates the theme of animals. Standard visits include a tour of the exhibits and time in the experience gallery. There is also an artist in residency program provided at an additional charge. Students engage in a learning experience with a visiting musician. Shelly said the museum is so much more than you think at first. People don’t realize the culture, the artistry, and how global the museum is. There is a wealth of information to be found on the MIM website, including: educator resources, education newsletter, workshop information, and much more.
What I loved the most was the accessibility to families. The Family Center provided a wonderful place to rest in quiet. There were puzzles, games, and books scattered about. Table, chairs, and couches were perfect height for the little ones. When Aiden was still nursing I loved the private suite with light dimmer, recliner, and separate sink. This is where we escaped when the family needed a break. There is also a family restroom with clean changing table.
No need to leave for lunch because the food is delicious. There is a coffee shop and café. Both offer similar items like: sandwiches, salads, pizza, hot dogs, fresh fruit, and delicious desserts. They were serving a special menu in honor of Elvis. JD “enjoyed” a peanut butter, banana, & bacon sandwich. Aiden and I opted for standard fare: hot dog and pizza.
Tips:
-Bring a separate diaper clutch. The museum does not allow you to take large bags, diaper bags, or backpacks inside the exhibits. You can check one at the front if you’d like so you have snacks and drinks for later.
-Go upstairs first! When you need a break head down to the family center or experience gallery. We learned quickly that Aiden wouldn’t leave to go to the other exhibits after seeing what they had to offer downstairs.
-If you need a break upstairs head to the northeast corner of the Africa/Middle East gallery. There you will find a large window for car watching.
-A stroller or carrier (Bummer just read on the site that they only allow strollers, as a babywearing mom I’m going to have to inquire more into this) is a must for little ones. Aiden wanted to get his hands on everything, the stroller kept him and the instruments safe.
UPDATE: MIM has updated their site to reflect use of baby slings or front/side baby carriers.
UPDATE: MIM has updated their site to reflect use of baby slings or front/side baby carriers.
-This museum is accessible to all ages. We saw children as young as 4 walking around with their headsets rushing to the next display. Tweens roamed on their own as they discussed their game plan. Which exhibit next? Which was your favorite? I think a few kids were returning visitors as I heard them discussing a few of the exhibits as they approached. The kids looked to be having more fun then their parents at times.
Check out MyMoment slideshow to see more of the MIM.
*I contacted the MIM to do a review. I was compensated with museum entrance for my family. All opinions’ are my own.
When you visit the MIM now through September 30, 2011 you can register to win two tickets to Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil and a two-night stay at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas! Entry forms can be found at the MIM Information Desk; no purchase/admission necessary. Info: http://www.themim.org/performances-events/elvis-week
