‘Musical Bodies’ Opens At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art

“Musical Bodies” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, an exhibition exploring the relationship between musical instruments and the human body, celebrated its opening with a private tour, performances, and afternoon tea. Seven years in the making, “Musical Bodies” is brought together by longtime friends Bradley Strauchen-Scherer, Curator in the Department of Musical Instruments, and lead sponsor Barbara Tober.

“Each one of us is an instrument, whether it is clapping, tapping, whistling, or singing, and that is at the center of this exhibition,” said Strauchen-Scherer. “Often we find instruments derive their shape from the form of our bodies, because music has been central to human identity and activity for centuries.”

At an exclusive first look on Monday, guests explored more than 130 objects spanning 4,000 years and drawn from all 17 curatorial departments of the Museum. From ancient artifacts to contemporary popular culture, the exhibition includes Prince’s “Love Symbol” guitar, Liberace’s “Piano Keys” suit, a Tom Ford ensemble worn by Zazie Beetz at The Met Gala, a sixteenth-century hermaphrodite “wedding” lira da braccio, ancient Egyptian rattles, paintings by Titian and Edgar Degas, and a Vivienne Westwood “penis” whistle inspired by Roman amulets.

Brockett Parsons (Lady Gaga’s keyboardist) attended, standing by his circular “PianoArc” keyboard, as well as Ghanaian carpenter Paa Joe, whose guitar-shaped casket, “For A Musician,” is also on display. An interactive keyboard projection, as well as video showcases featuring world champion whistler Molly Lewis and tap dancer Savion Glover, immerse guests.

The opening included performances by percussionist Javier Diaz, flamenco dancer Cristina Candela accompanied by vocalist Barbara Martinez, and Beatbox House, who led guests in an impromptu lesson in beatboxing. A broader series of live programs and artist collaborations will accompany the exhibition throughout its run. Guests included rockstar Billy Squier, as well as RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Nymphia Wind and finalist Plane Jane.

Barbara Tober brought many friends for a private tour and tea on Wednesday led by Strauchen-Scherer. “You know music is all about love, and I know that because the moment my husband, Donald, started playing the piano, I was gone,” said Tober. “This exhibition is a place for such joy and exploration that I hope you come and see how important it is that music is not just something to hear, but it’s something to vibrate to as a human being.”

“Musical Bodies” brings together musical instruments, costumes, contemporary art, and multimedia installations to examine the connections between music, the body, and human identity across cultures and centuries. The collection features loans from collectors and institutions including the Musée de la musique in Paris, the National Music Museum in South Dakota, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Royal College of Music in London. Organized into six thematic sections, the exhibition explores instruments as representations of the body and considers their role in spirituality, sexuality, identity, and mortality.

The exhibition will be on view from June 7 through September 27. For more information, visit metmuseum.org.