Ms. Karen & I visited The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures one Sunday in January (2015) to view their newest exhibit: Diamonds Are Forever: The Incredible Journeys of World-Famous Diamonds & the People Who Owned Them. This history of diamonds exhibit is open now through April 19, 2015 and is included in the general admission price.

The historical figures featured in this exhibit include Catherine the Great, Louis XIV, Louis XV, Napoleon, and the Shah Jahan. Among the historic diamonds featured in the exhibition are the Hope, the French Blue, the Regent, the Beau Sancy, the Koh-i-Noor, the Orlov, and the Mirror of Portugal.

Each of the ten historic figures tell the story of their most precious diamond. So you get to see the marvelous craftsmanship of George Stuart, who makes the historic figures and Scott Sucher, who cuts the cubic zirconia to exact replicas of the world’s most famous diamonds.

This exhibit includes a video of Mr. Stuart making one of his 400 historical figures. Personally, I was just fascinated. I think you will be too.

Additionally, this is the first time qr codes (like barcodes) have been used here to augment the exhibit. For those of you who do not know what this is, download the app (search qr code) and bring your smartphone. There are people there to help you get started on this audio tour. You may bring your own headphones or borrow some that are provided free of charge.

One of the things we like most about our Mini Museum is that it can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This is the place to take your children or grandchildren, as we have many times.

We had not visited the Mini in over a year, and there were many new exhibits, in addition to Diamonds Are Forever, that we had not previously seen. It’s not just the craftsmanship that amazes. Each exhibit is a window into the fascinating history of eras and places long past.

If you buy a Tucson Passport ($18) you will get two for one admissions at most of Southern Arizona’s attractions, including the Museum of Miniatures. In total, the Passport is worth about $400, but the real bargain is this. If you buy one Passport for every two adults in your party, you will recoup your investment after visiting only two attractions, so all the rest will be FREE. Good deal!

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
4455 East Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 881-0606

Monday – Saturday: 9AM to 4PM
Sunday: Noon to 4PM