Playable Plants - Arts Centre Melbourne

Prepare to be enchanted by a magical world of musical flora with Playable Plants at Arts Centre Melbourne this January.

The innovative musical art installation, The Plants, invites families to make music using possibly the most unique instrument you’ve ever played… plants themselves!

The Plants – Arts Centre Melbourne

Fusing natural elements with custom-made digital sensors and crafted by Playable Streets, The Plants allows you to experiment with music in a fun and jovial way.

As children engage with the plants and touch the leaves, delightful gentle sounds are activated. Families can have fun and experiment with creating their own enchanting melody using these exclusive digital instruments crafted from actual plants.

Playablestreets LiMichelle HIGHLIGHT Low

With textured waves and rhythmic movements that phase in and out, The Plants promises an unparalleled experience. This is vastly different to any traditional musical instrument in sight, sound, or playability – making it lots of fun for kids of all ages.

Playable Streets is a creative force specialising in crafting interactive art that defies norms and fosters unique connections. Their expertise lies in the development of interactive devices tailored for public spaces and workshops, designed to ignite creativity, encourage collaboration, and evoke a sense of play.

Distinguished by their commitment to forging unexpected and sensory connections, Playable Streets orchestrates experiences that range from making music with plants and transporting individuals to surreal desert islands to transforming mundane spaces like a car park into an extraordinary art gallery.

Their dedication extends to creating art that is not only accessible and engaging but also sustainable. Among their notable recent works are “Reflection” at RISING festival, “Islands” at ArtPlay, “Kidstruments” at Melbourne International Jazz Festival & Melbourne Fringe, “Tree Hugger” at DRIFT festival, and “Exquisite Stories” at the State Library Victoria.

Head to Arts Centre Melbourne this January and play tunes with marigolds, compose melodies with chrysanthemums, and enjoy the sounds of lavender.

The Plants is an enchanting, free installation open for everyone to engage with, explore, and collaboratively craft new compositions.

Happening from 16 -21 January 2024 at Arts Centre Melbourne, and it’s free! No bookings are required but we recommend getting there at the start of the day to avoid crowds.

Geelong Arts Centre hosted this wondrous installation in October, as part of the Wonder Children’s Festival. My kids were absolutely enthralled by the sounds coming from the plants as we moved through the exhibit. We had so much fun moving around and making playful tunes in such a unique and surprising way.

The exhibit is recommended for ages 3 and up, but my 1-year-old was also captivated whilst seated in the pram, watching us play away.

Centrally located, Arts Centre Melbourne is super easy to get to via public transport from Flinders Street Station. There are plenty of parking options nearby too.

Combine your visit with a stop at NGV International, or the Children’s Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens, both of which are free. Or book a table at one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Melbourne’s CBD.