COLLIER STEM GALLERY

Explore how science brings music to life.

The Dr. Donald W. Collier STEM Gallery explores the important connections between music and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Guests of all ages learn about the science behind some of their favorite instruments and how humans experience sound.

The gallery’s themes include sound creation, technological innovation, the human ear, hearing safety, and much more. Multiple displays within the gallery introduce key concepts in the physics of sound creation through original video, interactive technology, and instruments from all over the globe.

Plan Your Visit _›

Inside the Collier STEM Gallery

STEM concepts are illustrated through diverse instruments: panpipes from Peru, a pipa from China, Zildjian hi-hat cymbals, a carbon-fiber sitar, a musical saw, and many more.

An interactive mannequin named Jolene teaches about hearing safety.

The gallery’s unique displays cover concepts such as soundwaves, amplitude, frequency, wavelength, timbre, and string and tube length.

Students visit the gallery on a STEM field trip. The STEM tour is one of several options MIM offers for K–12 students.

A deconstructed Stratocaster guitar shows innovation in this iconic instrument’s construction.

The STEM Gallery also highlights electronic instruments used in digital music creation.

The Connection Between Music and Science

Science is at the core of the one thing all instruments have in common. Learn more about the foundations of sound and how your favorite instruments come to life through science and music!
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