This is really hot, and it only lasts for two more weekends. CREATIVE TIME presentsPlaying the Building: An Installation by David Byrne at The Battery Maritime Building in downtown Manhattan. The building is open Friday, Saturday, and Sundays from noon to 4pm and closes on August 24.
Former Talking Head Byrne has converted this landmark building into a mammoth musical instrument. Every part of the Maritime’s infrastructure–pillars, pipes, and beams–are hooked electronically to an organ that, when played, triggers vibrations and oscillations that resonate sound. Visitors are invited to play their own tunes (Chopsticks is a favorite).
This event seems to have been drowned in the flood of publicity over Olafur Eliasson’s Waterfalls, but it should not be missed. For vicarious thrills, check out the videos at David Byrne’s website. (Thanks to Eden Ross Lipson for the heads-up.)