How would you introduce Earth and its inhabitants to someone who has never been here? What items would you include in a time capsule for future generations to open in 1,000 years? The new temporary exhibition at the Hungarian Music House, opening on March 11, 2025, aims to explore these questions while inviting visitors on an incredible musical journey. This exhibition will showcase the diverse and vibrant musical traditions of our planet, highlighting cultures from Georgia to Belize, Crete to Patagonia, Iceland to India, and beyond.

LISTEN. is an exhibition that showcases films shot in over thirty countries with more than a hundred performers. It celebrates our musical and cultural diversity while highlighting our shared roots. Music shapes the events and emotions that define our lives, no matter where we are on Earth. This exhibition brings to life situations, moments, and imagery that resonate with all of us, from birth to death. It also allows us to experience how the music associated with these situations and celebrations varies across the globe, reflecting different instruments and sounds.

Additionally, LISTEN. emphasizes that listening and communication are crucial for the development of humanity, as music permeates every aspect of our lives.

LISTEN – A Musical Journey Around the World

The films created by American director Garry Bassin showcase the contributions of Japanese actor, producer, and writer Tomoko Yamaguchi, along with the collaborative efforts of the House of Music. Over a span of ten years, Bassin and Yamaguchi traveled to various locations around the world to capture the traditional musical heritage of humanity in a multi-part documentary series. These films highlight live performances, traditional music-making, and musical customs in an intimate and rarely seen manner, allowing viewers to explore the diverse cultures and beautiful places on Earth.