(Linz/Munich, June 5, 2025) How does a room become an instrument, and what does movement turned into music sound like? Ars Electronica Solutions has developed an interactive sound installation with Austrian composer Rupert Huber that can be experienced in the rotunda of the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich until November 2025.

Begegnungsmusik (Music of Encounters) is a musical and spatial experiment: visitors entering the 25-meter-high rotunda, the architectural center of the Pinakothek der Moderne, generate sounds through their own movements. When other visitors join them, additional sound sequences are triggered based on their position in the room. Thanks to a sensor-based tracking system and specially developed software, a fascinating dynamic soundscape is created. Ars Electronica Solutions was responsible for the technical and creative implementation.

“Rupert Huber’s Begegnungsmusik is a poetic homage to the Rotunda of the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich – and equally to its visitors from all over the world. The artistic vision of the composer, with all its complexity, could only be realized through a creative dialogue with Ars Electronica Solutions – a perfect interplay of art and technology.”

Bernhart Schwenk, Curator of Contemporary Art, Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich.

Trackingsystem und 28 Lautsprecher

A 3D sensor installed in the dome registers visitors’ movements in real time. A digital system interprets these movements and links them to melodies, harmonies, and sound textures by Rupert Huber. The result is determined by the direction of movement, tempo, and length of stay. Regardless of how many sounds are activated or which ones, the software’s compositional logic ensures the soundscape remains harmonious. It decides how the sounds are combined and distributed spatially via 28 geometrically arranged loudspeakers.

„As an interface and creative space between art, music, technology, and research, Ars Electronica Solutions is a unique and important point of contact and source of inspiration for me! The dialogue, exploration, and concrete work on joint projects often lead to the discovery of new worlds in this long-standing—sometimes almost symbiotic—cooperation.“
Rupert Huber, Composer, music artist, and musician known for interactive music installations

With Begegnungsmusik, Ars Electronica Solutions and Rupert Huber continue their long-standing, successful collaboration. Previous projects include interactive sound concepts for the ESA headquarters in Frascati, the “Planet Ocean” exhibition at the Gasometer Oberhausen, and the Austrian pavilion at the 2022 World Expo in Dubai.

Begegnungsmusik (Music of Encounters)
Duration: June 6, 2025 to November 9, 2025
Press Tour: June 5, 2025, 6 p.m.
Opening: June 5, 2025, 7 p.m.

Regular Opening Hours:
daily except Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  

Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Straße 40 | 80333 Munich

About Ars Electronica Solutions

Ars Electronica Solutions designs and implements interactive, multisensory experiences. Since its founding in 2011, this Ars Electronica division has developed creative, customized concepts for exhibitions, brand worlds, trade fairs, and events. The company focuses on creating tailor-made solutions in close collaboration with clients.    

Pinakothek der Moderne

The Pinakothek der Moderne is one of Europe’s largest art collections, with four museums dedicated to prints & drawing, art, design and architecture. The museum sees itself as a repository of 20th- and 21st-century art and design and as a forum for discussing contemporary issues and trends. Its four collections, which are constantly expanding and being digitized, form the basis of its work.

Music of Encounters / Ars Electronica Solutions (AT), Rupert Huber (AT)

Photo: Sybille Forster