Musical Swings (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas
- This interactive structure is designed to accommodate people of all ages. The swings make musical sounds when people use them. The wiring, lights, and speakers are hidden inside the structure.
- Each swing plays one note from either a harp, piano, guitar, or vibraphone. When all the swings are in motion, the notes combine to create a melody.
- Daily tous les jours is a design studio based in Montreal, Canada. Their work focuses on cooperation, public interaction, and play. Most of their art installations are located in public, outdoor spaces.
Learn More
As visitors walk through the Museum Park, they may hear musical notes or a song coming from a swing set. This swing set was created by the design studio Daily tous les jours. This studio is based in Montreal, Canada. They have created and installed interactive art around the world. Their studio focuses on public art, interaction, and urban design. Their works are often located in public spaces where people will stop, play, and engage with the art. Musical Swings are located near the NCMA Welcome Center. The swings are easily accessible from the parking lot and from several paved paths. As visitors use these swings, each one emits a light and one note from either a harp, piano, guitar, or vibraphone. When the swings move together, the musical notes combine to create a melody.
When participants play in synchronicity, more complex harmonies are produced, fostering awareness and collaboration among players.
Daily tous les jours
The studio’s works encourage interaction with the art installation and with each other. They use technology to create opportunities for play. Another work by this studio, Daydreamer: Kinetic Benches, is located near the Musical Swings. Both of these interactive playground structures produce sound and light.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read a publication by the studio about building spaces to play.
- Read an article about the Musical Swings installations.
- Watch a video of the installation of this structure.
Resources for Students
- Read an article about the studio’s process of developing a work of art.
- Watch a video about installations this studio has designed and created.
- Read an article about the studio’s two outdoor works at the NCMA.
Images
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Musical Swings
A photograph of a large, green, outdoor metal swing set. There are several people sitting on the swings. The structure stands on a flat paved surface. There are trees and a blue sky in the background.
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Ariel view of the museum park showing Musical Swings and Smokestack
Ariel view of the museum park showing Musical Swings, trails, trees, and the Smokestack.