Music: Journey through the sounds of East Asian Rhythms

“Music: Journey through the sounds of East Asian Rhythms” is an interactive exhibit celebrating the percussive instruments and sounds of East Asian cultures. 

This hands-on exhibit encourages visitors to move and perform with a focus on percussion in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures. Visitors can explore an array of traditional instruments and sounds, from Japanese singing bowls to Chinese gongs to a traditional Korean Buk drum. Mounted mirrors are placed like stages within each area to inspire visitors to move and dance while others play music.

Exhibit Highlights

  • Strike a Chinese gong and ring the hanging chimes
  • Play a Japanese taiko drum
  • Try out traditional singing bowls
  • Perform on the K-pop stage
  • And more…

“Music” will be on display at the EcoTarium through August 18, 2026.

This exhibit was created by the Freeman Foundation in collaboration with the Association of Children’s Museums and the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum. It was originally created as part of the Freeman Foundation Asian Culture Exhibit Series, a collection of modular exhibits designed to help children learn about and understand Asian cultures. The tour of “Music” is presented by Minnesota Children’s Museum.