 Special One-Object Exhibition: Musical Molinology
MAY 1Â –Â AUGUST 10, 2025
📍 On view all summer in the Biggs Museum Atrium
Experience the magic of movement and music with Musical Molinology, a captivating kinetic sculpture that combines craftsmanship, engineering, and artistic expression. Inspired by the study of molinology—the science of mills and mechanical devices powered by wind, water, animals, or human energy—this hand-cranked wonder sets a complex chain of wooden gears and shafts into motion. As the mechanism turns, thirteen cams lift and lower wands that raise delicate turned Christmas ornaments, while another gear triggers hammers to strike rosewood marimba bars, playing a melodic tune.
The pegs in the gear mechanism can be rearranged, allowing the music to change. The current composition, “Marimba Etude (Take 3) + Summertime,” was specially created for the sculpture by New York-based musician Anna Huang and fits within the instrument’s 20-note limit.
Created by members of the First State Woodturners for the American Association of Woodturners’ 2015 Chapter Collaborative Challenge, this interactive piece won Best in Show and was featured on the back cover of American Woodturner magazine. Visitors of all ages are invited to turn the crank and bring this ingenious artwork to life—on view and playable throughout the summer in the Biggs Museum Atrium!
