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Past Exhibits

The Resonating Power of Music in the Premodern World

By October 20, 2025February 2nd, 2026No Comments

U Card required to access all libraries

A U Card is required for access to all University of Minnesota libraries beginning Jan. 20. Please carry your U Card at all times for entry and re-entry. To see this exhibit, please contact jfbell@umn.edu for further information.

Early modern illustration of musicians and people celebrating

As European travelers began exploring the world, they wrote about the cultural activities of the peoples they encountered. These premodern accounts often highlighted music, musicians, musical instruments, and the circumstances of various types of musical performances.

This exhibit showcases sonic experiences documented in the Bell collection and considers ways that music from around the world resonates across time and space.

Exhibit details

What: The Resonating Power of Music in the Premodern World
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, James Ford Bell Gallery, located in the Maxine Wallin Special Collections Research Center (ground floor) | Parking & directions
When: Oct. 13, 2025 through Jan. 30, 2026 (weekdays only)
Hours and access: Elmer L. Andersen Library hours | A U Card is required for access to all University of Minnesota libraries beginning Jan. 20. Please carry your U Card at all times for entry and re-entry. To see this exhibit, please contact jfbell@umn.edu for further information.

Curated by the James Ford Bell Library
Exhibit design and installation by Darren Terpstra, Archives and Special Collections Exhibit Design and Project Specialist

exhibit collage with historical instruments and sheet music

Karen Carmody-McIntosh

Author Karen Carmody-McIntosh

More posts by Karen Carmody-McIntosh

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