Resonance

Aeolian Harp

An eerie orchestral chord floats on the breeze; it’s the shimmering sound of a 27-foot tall harp being strummed by the wind.

Where: Gallery 5: Outdoor Exhibits

Big Tuning Fork

Distinct tones combine in the hum of this tuning fork.

Where: Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

Catch the Sound Waves

These simple glass tubes separate the sounds of the Exploratorium into distinct tones.

Where: Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Listening

Sand scattered on a large metal square vibrates and jumps in response to the sound of your voice. When you hit just the right note(s), the sand spontaneously migrates into elegant geometrical patterns.

Where: Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Listening

Circling Wave Umbrella

Fluttering waves whirl around the edge, creating patterns of evenly spaced ripples.

Where: Entrance

Confused Sea

Air blowing over the surface of water inside a large Plexiglas hemisphere mimics the action of the wind over the ocean by generating waves. The waves slowly change and build until the entire volume of water is circulating as one wave. Viewers can adjust the speed of the air blower and influence the building of the waves.

Where: Gallery 4: Living Systems