The instrument is a harmonically unique kinetic art installation comprising 39 inverted bells. The bells were designed by Anton Hasell and Neil McLachlan in collaboration with Swaney Draper Architects in 2001.
Acclaimed composers from across the world have created hundreds of electronic compositions for the Bells, and a selection of these can be heard from 8am to 9am, 12.30pm to 1.30pm and 5pm to 6pm daily.
In recent years the City of Melbourne has pursued an agenda of exploring the instrument’s full capabilities in the genres of classical, jazz, pop, rock, experimental, ambient and electronic music. Many of these major works have been released on vinyl and digital via the label Heavy Machinery RecordsOpens in new tab.
Where the bells toll
The Federation Bells are located on the Middle Terrace of Birrarung Marr, in the centre of the park, between Federation Square and the William Barak Bridge (which provides access to the MCG).
Design
In designing the Federation Bells, Neil McLachlan and Anton Hasell set out to bridge the ancient Asian and European bell-making traditions. Using modern computer modelling of vibrations, they set out to better understand the relationships between physical shapes and the sounds they emit. This use of technology represents a further development in the art and science of bell-making.
Contact us
City of Melbourne Curator
