Eloise W. Martin Center (ECHO)

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra wanted to create a venue where children, families and the general public could experience the complexities of classical music through fun, hands-on exploration. ESI designed interactive exhibits and classroom activities that allow visitors – whatever their musical background – to share in the joy and spontaneity of making music.

Visitors begin their journey at the Welcome Center, where ESI designed giant ears that emanate music and set a whimsical tone for the experience. Visitors then proceed to the A-Musing Room, where they can explore five themes of music through an array of engaging activities: the nature of sound; teamwork in musical performance; music’s role in cultural events; music’s association with people, places and stories; and the process of passing music down to younger generations.

To enhance the visitor experience, ESI invented a portable instrument box – a tool that plugs into computer-based activities that use unexpected metaphors to help people understand musical concepts and create their own musical compositions. For example, to expose visitors to the importance of musical interpretation, ESI developed a program that plays a poem read in three very different styles and music performed by three different pianists, showing visitors how a piece of music can be conveyed with multiple meanings and emotions. Visitors conclude their visit to the A-Musing room by adding their instrument box to the Orchestra Wall, where the music they composed is highlighted individually and played in combination with the music of other visitors, creating a unique ensemble performance.

Visit the client's website at cso.org