Seeking the Sound: Sound-Based Interpretive Approaches in Exhibitions of Sound-Producing Objects

Abstract Sound-producing objects, such as musical instruments and sound devices, are a distinct category of museum objects because their museification has deprived them of their primary characteristic: sound. This paper discusses the use of sound as an interpretive tool in exhibitions of sound-producing objects. After reviewing the use of sound as an interpretive medium in contemporary museum exhibitions, the discussion focuses on sound-producing objects and analyses the concerns about their functionality in the museum context. The last section of the paper introduces sonic references, a specific type of sonic practices integrated in contemporary museum exhibitions. The documentation of the interpretive approaches adopted towards sound-producing objects aims to explore the potential of sound in creating meaningful experiences for museum visitors. Finally, the paper seeks to encourage sound-led curatorial strategies that explore more experiential ways to engage visitors with museum exhibitions.