The Polish Cultural Institute in New York and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington, D.C. / 2019

HURRAH takes the form of a large-scale xylophone composed of stainless-steel vertical tubes. When tapped consecutively with a drumstick, the tubes play the Polish birthday and anniversary song, Sto Lat. Users don’t need any previous musical knowledge to experience the joy of playing music. The tune, familiar to every Pole and some Americans, recalls universal themes of fun, friendship, and love. Alluding to both the Polish forest and New York skyscrapers, the vertical tubes allow the participant to feel enclosed in a space while still being connected to the outer environment. This playful and interactive installation is a celebration of the hundredth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United States.

design team: Danielle Begnaud, Katarzyna Michnowska, Marzena Krupa

photos by: Guillermo Hernandez Martinez