Supporting MIM’s Global Mission at the Museum Store

Handmade bells and chimes from India and Bali sourced through Moksha

At the Museum Store, guests can continue the musical journeys they begin in the galleries by browsing a selection of products from around the world, including music-themed items, handmade crafts, and unique instruments. Lacey Hauser, head of retail operations for the Museum Store, selects the merchandise and maintains relationships with vendors such as Moksha, which has been a special partner to MIM since the museum opened in 2010.

The Museum Store sells handmade products, such as bells and wind chimes, that Moksha imports from India and Bali. The unique chimes incorporate iron, glass beads, and hand-tuned nana bells, which are made using a secret smelting formula that has been passed down between generations. Each chime makes a unique tone when struck by its handmade wooden clapper.

Hauser started buying Moksha’s products for the Museum Store when she met co-founder Ramesh Shah at a gift show in Los Angeles more than 10 years ago. Ramesh and his wife, Usha, emigrated from India to Texas to support their family’s handicraft wholesale company. They worked with their family for more than 30 years before starting Moksha, which in Hindi means “freedom” or “liberation.” Ramesh died in 2018; Usha and their son Aashish now carry on his hard work and legacy.

Usha says it is a privilege to partner with MIM. Seventeen craftspeople work exclusively for Moksha to cut and polish the iron pieces. The artisans who make Moksha’s nana bells are small family groups, each of which makes a different size of bell.

Moksha’s artisans hand-cut and polish wood and iron pieces in Bali before the final products are hand-assembled in the United States.

“We are so thankful to Lacey and her staff for the continued support they have shown and their appreciation and the details to the quality of the products that they select and sell at the museum,” she says. “In turn, it helps our artisans in India and Bali.” 

In addition to supporting global artisans, partnerships with companies such as Moksha improve the guest experience. 

“Our guests are inspired by the MIM experience, and their purchases in the Museum Store reflect a desire to make music or learn more about the many countries represented in the galleries,” Hauser says. “We are fortunate to partner with talented vendors, like Moksha, who understand our mission and who help provide the musical instruments, global crafts, and books that delight so many of our guests.”

During your next visit, stop by the Museum Store to shop Moksha’s stunning collection.