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.

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.

#MetMusicalBodies

The exhibition is made possible by Barbara Tober, the Diane W. and James E. Burke Fund, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, and the Gail and Parker Gilbert Fund.

Additional support is provided by Anonymous, The Dancing Tides Foundation, the Vanguard Council, and The Augustine Foundation in memory of Rose Augustine.

The catalogue is made possible by the Mary C. and James W. Fosburgh Publications Fund.

Additional support is provided by Kenneth and Anna Zankel.

Accessibility

To access a large-print version of the exhibition text, click here

Events

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Two people sit at a studio artmaking table covered in brown paper with two warped cardboard looms on the table. On the left, a young child with brown hair and a red and navy striped shirt holds a pink straw in his hands as he leans his elbow on the table. Next to him, on the right, sits an adult in a black jacket, wire-framed glasses, and a khaki hat; he sorts through a pile of colorful yarn, pipe cleaners, and straws.

Discoveries (Ages 5–13)—Bring the Beat!

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Two people sit at a studio artmaking table covered in brown paper with two warped cardboard looms and piles of colorful yarn and pipe cleaners on the table. On the left, an adult with long black hair in a long-sleeve black top works on a warped cardboard loom with the teenager next to her. The teenager sits at the head of the table with short black hair, a khaki shirt, and black pants. Together, the pair works on their loom. In front of them at the table are other materials and blue-color-pencil drawings.

Discoveries (Ages 14–22)—Bring the Beat!

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Three people sit at a studio artmaking table with two warped cardboard looms and piles of colorful yarn and pipe cleaners. On the left, an adult with short hair wears a pink plaid shirt and black framed glasses. She works on a loom with the young adult next to her, who is wearing a bright pink jacket, circular wire-framed glasses, and her hair in a ponytail. She holds a light pink water bottle. On her other side sits an adult man in a grey vest and maroon shirt who smiles cheerfully at the two women.

Discoveries (Ages 23+)—Bring the Beat!

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Ayodele Casel—Collection: INHERITED

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Creative Convening—Musical Bodies

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A group of visitors sit inside a gallery facing a Met educator who is pointing to a painting out of our view.

Met Escapes—Musical Bodies

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A group of visitors listening to a speaker, engaged in an Expert Talk.

Met Expert Talks—Musical Bodies

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Harmonious.

The New York Times

Exhibition Catalogue

Musical Bodies

This volume examines musical instruments and their connection to the body as reflected in art, popular culture, and the human condition, from ancient ceremony to rock and roll.

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Image Credits

Thomas Zach, Violino Harpa Forma Maxima, 1874. Wood (spruce, maple, ebony), metal strings. Collections Musée de la musique / Cliché Claude Germain, 2020. Cité de la musique-Philharmonie de Paris