There’s a new sound drifting through the Fort Worth Botanic Garden this fall — not birdsong or the whisper of the wind through the trees, but something more surprising: music born from a playground staple.
From now through Dec. 7, visitors to the Garden’s North Vista will find “Musical Swings,” an interactive art installation that transforms the simple act of swinging into a kind of orchestral performance. Each swing, when set in motion, triggers a musical note tied to a particular instrument. The more people join in, the richer the harmonies become.
No training required, just the willingness to sit down, push off, and see what happens. Five-year-olds and ninety-five-year-olds alike can fall into rhythm together, discovering how a little coordination turns scattered sounds into a melody. The installation is less about performance than play, inviting strangers to share a moment of connection in the open air.
The Botanic Garden has long been a place where art and nature cross paths, but “Musical Swings” brings something fresh to the landscape, a reminder that joy, especially when shared, can be its own kind of artistry.
Admission to the installation is included with regular Garden entry. Details are available at fwbg.org.