The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will open a major exhibition titled "Musical Bodies" on June 7, 2026. The free exhibition will feature over 130 objects, including musical instruments, paintings, sculptures, and drawings, to explore the 4,000-year relationship between musical instruments and the human body. It will be organized into six thematic sections and includes items from ancient Egyptian rattles to a guitar owned by Prince.
The exhibition is significant as it is the first of its kind at The Met, aiming to provide a multisensory and immersive experience that connects visitors with a shared cultural heritage through music and art. It is supported by notable philanthropic funds and is curated to appeal to a broad public, regardless of musical background, highlighting the museum's role in interdisciplinary scholarship and public engagement.