While humans can whistle and clap and tap, musical instruments, on the other hand, also kind of look like us. That’s what “Musical Bodies,” which opens June 7 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is all about.

“You’ve got these ancient clappers from Egypt that are in the shape of human hands, you’ve got beautiful violins from Italy and Germany where you’ve got a human head where the scroll would be, you have all these amazing figural drums from Africa,” said Bradley Strauchen-Scherer, curator of the museum’s Department of Musical Instruments, who organized the exhibition. 

What You Need To Know

“Musical Bodies” is a new exhibition opening June 7 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan 

The exhibit explores the connection between the human body and musical instruments 

There are 130 works from around the world that are featured

There are 130 works from across the globe, including musical instruments, of course, like a drum kit from Alex Gonzalez, of the Mexican pop rock band Maná, from artist John Douglas, which is a tribute to the Day of the Dead commemorations.

There’s also what looks like a giant acoustic guitar, but it’s actually a fantasy art casket from sculptor Paa Joe, of Ghana.

Other items that stand out include a double-neck guitar from Rick Nielsen, of the classic rock band Cheap Trick, and an outfit that belonged to the late pianist and entertainer Liberace. 

Strauchen-Scherer, once an aspiring pianist, remembers meeting Liberace in her childhood at a Connecticut department store, where he appeared to sign copies of his autobiography. 

“I was really drawn to this particular piece because it so clearly transforms Liberace into his piano,” said Strauchen-Scherer. 

So it’s not just instruments, it’s paintings and pop culture and visual arts, because while the Met has one of the great collections of musical instruments, there are also many depictions and themes about music and instruments throughout the collection.

“So it’s a show that really has all of it together and it allows you to really explore, experiment, experience sound, music, the body and the way all of that interjects,” said Max Hollein, the Marina Kellen French Director and CEO at the museum.  

Since art is multi-sensory and music embodies that. Plan your visit to see “Musical Bodies” at The Met’s website.