Exhibition Details
From clapping hands and tapping feet to beatboxing and whistling, the human body is a musical instrument. Musical instruments, in turn, often draw their form and decoration from our bodies. Around the world and across time, instruments emerge as powerful vehicles that represent our voices, actions, and identity not only in music but throughout the visual arts, literature, religion, pop culture, and mythology.
Additional Details
Musical Bodies is the first major exhibition to explore the relationship between musical instruments and the body by bringing together some 130 instruments, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more to illuminate how we express who we are, what we value, and what we believe. With works from The Met collection and institutions and collectors around the world, the exhibition explores 4,000 years of art and music history, from ancient Egyptian rattles and musical masterpieces by Titian and Degas to instrument-inspired apparel and one of Prince’s most notable guitars.
Musical Bodies will resonate with visitors of all ages, whether you are a musician, a devoted listener, or simply curious about human expression.
Musical Bodies will resonate with visitors of all ages, whether you are a musician, a devoted listener, or simply curious about human expression.
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Gallery 199
1000 5th Ave
New York, NY 10028
Image: Jan van Haelbeeck (Flemish, ca. 1600–1630). Enigmes Joyeuses pour les Bons Esprits, Plate 8 (detail), ca. 1615. Copper engraving, 4 5/8 × 5 7/8 in. (11.7 × 14.9 cm) / courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art