Try out the Musical Swings Public Art Installation on lawn of the Williamsburg Community Building
Try out the Musical Swings Public Art Installation on lawn of the Williamsburg Community Building
The City of Williamsburg invites residents and visitors to experience the Musical Swings, a large-scale interactive public art installation on the lawn of the Williamsburg Community Building, open now through May 17, 2026.
Created by Montreal-based studio Daily Tous les Jours (DTJ), the Musical Swings transforms a familiar playground element into a collaborative musical experience. Each swing produces a musical note, with higher motion creating higher pitches. When participants swing together, they create a shared composition, blending movement, sound, and community interaction.
Originally inspired by DTJ’s permanent 21 Swings installation in Montreal, the touring version of the Musical Swings has traveled internationally and received widespread recognition. Additionally, studies on the installation have demonstrated significant increases in foot traffic and economic activity, as well as strong community engagement.
“The Musical Swings are a wonderful example of how public art can bring people together in unexpected and joyful ways,” said Vice Mayor W. Pat Dent, who also serves on WPAC. “We’re excited to welcome this internationally recognized installation to Williamsburg and invite our community to experience it firsthand.”
On Friday, April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) will host the “Swing By,” a special inaugural event inviting the community to engage with the installation.
The event will feature brief opening remarks from City leadership, a presentation by the Williamsburg Poet Laureate, free Baskin-Robbins ice cream for attendees (while supplies last), family-friendly activities from the Williamsburg Regional Library, and a live painting demonstration by a William & Mary Visiting Scholar, Dr. Hüseyin Uysal.
“The ‘Swing By’ is designed to introduce the community to this unique installation in a fun and welcoming way. We hope people of all ages and backgrounds will come out, connect with one another, and enjoy the Swings,” WPAC Chair Robert Currie said.
WPAC researched and approved the installation in the fall of 2025 before the Williamsburg City Council granted final approval in December. It reflects the City’s commitment to expanding public art as part of its 2025–2026 Biennial Goals, Initiatives, & Outcomes.
Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council comprises nine members, including representatives from City boards and commissions and two at-large members. Through its public art program, the WPAC wishes to celebrate the City’s past, present, and future with public art; enhance the City’s identity and economic vitality by encouraging people to spend more time in the City engaged with public art; and highlight and enhance the beauty and unique character of the City. The public art program is funded at an annual rate of 1% of the City’s CIP program for that year, subject to appropriation by City Council.
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