A Musical Instrument Museum and Heard Museum Day in a Luxury Rental from Scottsdale

Not every great day in a luxury rental is about mountain roads. Some of the best are about the places you drive to. North Phoenix and central Phoenix are home to two of the Valley's most distinctive museums: the Musical Instrument Museum, known as MIM, and the Heard Museum, dedicated to American Indian art and culture. Both are a short drive from Scottsdale, and together they make a relaxed, memorable day out.

This guide covers how to plan a museum day around a car from the Scottsdale fleet, including the hours, a suggested order, timing tips and the rental rules worth knowing.

Why Pair MIM and the Heard Museum

MIM collects musical instruments from around the world, arranged in galleries organized by region. A headset included with admission plays the soundtrack for videos at hundreds of exhibits, so you hear the instruments as you walk. The Experience Gallery lets you play instruments yourself, which makes it fun for adults and kids alike.

The Heard Museum focuses on the art and cultures of American Indian peoples, with a strong emphasis on the Southwest. Its galleries and courtyards offer a quieter, reflective counterpoint to MIM. Visiting both in one day gives you a sense of the wider world and of the region you are standing in.

Planning the Day

Start at MIM

MIM is at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in north Phoenix, just south of the Loop 101 near Tatum Boulevard. From Old Town Scottsdale, it is roughly 15 miles, or about 20 to 25 minutes via Scottsdale Road or Pima Road and the Loop 101, depending on traffic. Parking is free, with the entrance on Mayo Boulevard.

According to MIM's website, the museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving, and on Christmas Day it opens at 10 AM. MIM notes that most guests spend around three hours and that the galleries are usually busiest from 11 AM to 2 PM, so arriving at opening gives you the calmest time inside.

Lunch at the Museum or Nearby

MIM's Café Allegro serves lunch daily from 11 AM to 3 PM, and its coffee bar is open during museum hours. Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries. You can also drive a few minutes to the restaurants around Desert Ridge or Kierland if you prefer a sit-down lunch elsewhere.

Afternoon at the Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is at 2301 N. Central Ave. in central Phoenix. Its website lists hours of 10 AM to 4 PM daily, with closures on Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Because the Heard closes at 4 PM, leave MIM by early afternoon. The drive south from north Phoenix usually takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, and the trip back to Old Town Scottsdale afterward is short.

If you would rather not rush, split the museums across two days or choose just one and spend the rest of the afternoon in Old Town. Always check each museum's official website for current hours, special exhibitions and tickets before you go.

Tips for a Smooth Museum Day

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside MIM's galleries and must be checked at Guest Service, so travel light.

Bring your own wired headphones with a standard 3.5 mm jack if you prefer them at MIM. Bluetooth headphones are not supported.

Park in shaded spots when available, and do not leave valuables visible in the car.

Weekday visits tend to be calmer than weekends at MIM.

Which Car to Rent

For a stylish city day with plenty of short drives, the Ferrari 488 Spider is a showstopper, and the open top is a treat on a cool, sunny morning. The McLaren 720S Spider offers a similarly dramatic arrival. If you are bringing family or friends, the Bentley Bentayga and the Lincoln Navigator give everyone a comfortable seat.

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Black Service pairs your rental with a professional driver so you can focus on the exhibits.

Rental Rules to Keep in Mind

Drivers must be 21 or older, and 25 or older for certain vehicles, with a valid license and full coverage insurance in the same name.

A security deposit is held from one day before until seven days after the rental, and you need $5,000 available.

Daily mileage is 75 to 120 miles depending on the vehicle, which easily covers a museum day around the Valley.

Use 91 octane or higher fuel, and return the car with the same fuel level or more.

Late returns cost $50 per 30 minutes, so plan your drive back with a little cushion.

The renter is responsible for parking, tolls and tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is MIM from Old Town Scottsdale?

Roughly 15 miles, or about 20 to 25 minutes via Scottsdale Road or Pima Road and the Loop 101, depending on traffic.

What are MIM's hours?

MIM's website lists daily hours of 9 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and opens at 10 AM on Christmas Day.

What are the Heard Museum's hours?

The Heard Museum's website lists hours of 10 AM to 4 PM daily, with closures on Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Can I visit both museums in one day?

Yes, if you start at MIM when it opens and leave by early afternoon for the Heard, which closes at 4 PM. Otherwise, split them across two days.

Is parking available at MIM?

Yes. MIM's parking is free, with the lot entrance on Mayo Boulevard just south of the Loop 101.

Book Your Museum Day

The entire rental process is online. Complete the Book Now form at royalrentals.io/rentals to reserve your car. Questions? Call our Scottsdale team at (480) 702-2885, open 8 AM to 9 PM daily.