Musical Bodies

Starting June 7, 2026, the Metropolitan Museum of Art will shed light on the carnal link uniting the instrumentalist with their instrument. This rare selection from the museum’s permanent collections illustrates how lutherie and instrumental facture imitate, enhance, or extend human anatomy. Objects are observed where the curves of the wood mirror those of the body, revealing a symbolic dimension often overlooked. This presentation offers a unique perspective on acoustic masterpieces that, beyond their sonic function, become true anthropomorphic doubles. Until September 27, 2026, the institution highlights the ingenuity of artisans capable of transforming raw materials into physical extensions of the soul and movement. An opportunity to apprehend music through the prism of our own biology within the prestigious Department of Musical Instruments.