Kendall Band

Kendall Band. The Kendall Band is a permanent, interactive public artwork and musical installation located within the Kendall/MIT station on the MBTA Red Line in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Conceived and constructed by artist Paul Matisse, grandson of Henri Matisse, it was officially dedicated in 1987 and consists of three distinct kinetic sound sculptures activated by levers on the station platform. The installation represents a significant fusion of public art, urban design, and community engagement within a major public transit infrastructure, becoming a beloved landmark for daily commuters and visitors to the MIT campus and Kendall Square innovation district.

History

The project originated in the late 1970s when the MBTA allocated funds for art as part of the Red Line Northwest Extension project, which expanded service to Alewife station. Artist Paul Matisse, known for his large-scale sonic sculptures like the Musical fences in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was commissioned. The design and fabrication process spanned nearly a decade, involving complex engineering to withstand the harsh environment of a busy subway station. The installation was unveiled to the public in 1987, with its creation supported by the MIT and the National Endowment for the Arts. Its installation coincided with a period of significant growth for Kendall Square, transforming the station from a mere transit node into a cultural destination.

Design and components

The Kendall Band comprises three primary musical sculptures, each named for a celestial body and producing sound through distinct physical mechanisms. "Pythagoras" is a 70-foot-long musical saw made of bronze and stainless steel that creates ethereal tones when a lever rubs a resin block along its edge. "Kepler" consists of a series of large bronze rings, resembling orbits, which are struck by hammers to produce resonant, bell-like chimes. "Galileo" features marble blocks suspended over a bronze plate; pulling its lever causes the blocks to fall in sequence, creating a rhythmic, percussive cascade. The materials were chosen for durability, and the works are integrated into the station's brutalist architecture, designed by Cambridge Seven Associates.

Operation and accessibility

The sculptures are operated by large, robust bronze levers mounted on the station's inbound platform wall, designed for public interaction. Commuters and visitors pull these levers to activate the complex mechanical systems, which translate human energy into musical sound. This interactive design democratizes the art experience, making it accessible to all passengers regardless of background. The installation's location in a key transit hub ensures exposure to a vast and diverse audience, including students from MIT, employees of Biogen and Google, and tourists visiting Boston. Its operation provides a moment of playful respite within the daily commute.

Cultural impact and legacy

The Kendall Band has become an iconic and cherished feature of the Boston area's cultural landscape, frequently cited as a pioneering example of successful public art in transit spaces. It has inspired subsequent artistic projects within the MBTA, such as the art installations at South Station and the Arts on the Line program. The work is celebrated in local media, including The Boston Globe, and has been featured in numerous guides to Boston. For many, it symbolizes the creative spirit of Cambridge, Massachusetts and the innovative intersection of art, science, and technology championed by institutions like the MIT Media Lab.

Maintenance and preservation

Due to its mechanical nature and high-use public setting, the Kendall Band has required significant and ongoing maintenance. The original mechanisms suffered from wear, environmental corrosion, and occasional vandalism, leading to periods of inactivity. A major restoration project was undertaken between 2009 and 2014, a collaborative effort funded by the MBTA, MIT, and public donations organized by the Friends of the Kendall Band. This overhaul involved fabricating replacement parts, improving durability, and upgrading the mechanical systems. Ongoing stewardship by the MBTA Arts & Design program and community advocates ensures its preservation as a functional artwork for future generations.

Category:Public art in Massachusetts Category:Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Category:Art in Boston Category:1987 sculptures Category:Sound art