The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is set to launch 'Musical Bodies' on June 7, an ambitious exhibition featuring over 130 objects that explore the historical and aesthetic links between musical instruments and the human form. The show integrates a diverse array of items, including Antonio Stradivari’s 1693 ‘Gould’ violin, ancient Egyptian rattles, and contemporary artifacts like one of Prince’s guitars, alongside masterworks by Titian and Degas.
This exhibition marks a significant cross-departmental effort to treat musical instruments not merely as tools for sound, but as sculptural works of art that reflect human identity. By examining why instruments are frequently decorated or shaped like the body, the Met aims to highlight the multisensory nature of musical heritage and its central role in the global history of creative expression.