Met Museum Explores Human Body as Musical Instrument in New Show

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens 'Musical Bodies' on Sunday, an exhibition examining the relationship between the human body and musical instruments across cultures and millennia. Curated by Bradley Strauchen-Scherer of the Met's musical instruments department, the show features objects spanning thousands of years, including paintings, prints, fashion, sculptures, and instruments. Strauchen-Scherer notes that instruments often reference the human body in form or decoration, from folk to pop to classical culture. The exhibition explores 'the human condition through the lens of music,' emphasizing that music-making is fundamental to human survival. Visitors can hear music throughout the exhibition, with five highlighted examples available for listening.