The new Michael Hedges exhibit at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ features photos, performance videos, multiple instruments and artifacts from Michael’s career.
Michael’s family worked with MIM’s senior curator, Rich Walter, to plan an exhibit that would provide an opportunity for Michael’s fans and museum visitors to see some of his main instruments, listen to his music, and learn about his life.
In 2024, “Darth,” Michael’s 1913 Knutsen harp guitar was featured in a special exhibit at MIM called “Acoustic America.” Due to its popularity, when that exhibit ended, “Darth” was moved to their harp guitar exhibit for a more permanent display.
Michael’s family then loaned several additional instruments and memorabilia from Michael’s music career to the museum for a brand new exhibit in their Artist Gallery. The artist exhibit was installed in June 2026, where it will remain for years to come.
Michael’s fans can visit MIM to reconnect with artifacts from his music career, while all museum visitors can discover his music and life story.
COMING SOON: Fan meetup at Michael Hedges artist exhibit
Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix, Arizona,
A special meetup is being planned at the brand new Michael Hedges exhibit, which will be announced soon via the Michael Hedges email list and social media channels!
FEATURED IN THE EXHIBIT:
“The Oracle Guitar” – Michael’s Gibson LG 3/4
Michael recorded “Theme from Hatari” and “Oracle” on this instrument. Although it was too delicate to go on tour, it was featured in the ORACLE album cover art and promotion poster image photographed by Kim Stringfellow.
Grammy Award for “Best New Age” Album in 1997
After being nominated twice, Michael’s 3rd Grammy nomination resulted in a win! Just a few months after his death, Michael was awarded the 1997 Grammy for “Best New Age Album.” His mother, Ruth Hedges, accepted the award in his absence.
“Barbara” – Michael’s Martin D-28
“Barbara” was Michael’s main instrument. He played this guitar on all of his released commercially-released albums and performances, from his late teens until he died. Barbara rarely left his side, and was in the car during the accident that killed Michael in late 1997.
Copper Helmet Mic
A legendary accessory used by Michael to mount a wireless microphone for vocal songs, so he could move around freely while he played and sang. Fashioned from a copper kitchen mixing bowl and painted, he’d thread his braids through the holes drilled in the helmet when his hair was long. He used this helmet on his last tour, during his last public performance.
“Darth” – Michael’s 1913 Knutsen Harp Guitar
Upstairs, in MIM’s Harp Guitar exhibit, another instrument of Michael’s is on display: a black harp guitar he called “Darth,” built by luthier Chris Knutsen in 1913.
This was one of the harp guitars he began touring with in 1995. He also he wrote the song “Torched” on this instrument, and played a cover of “No Expectations” on it.
