FAQs

How does the exhibition work?

By showing their ticket, visitors will receive headphones at the entrance that feature spatial audio dynamic head tracking, a technology that enables the 360° audio experience. When the light in a tent goes on, visitors can enter and choose a free chair: their headphones will automatically connect to the audio output and play the next sound in the playlist when the lights go off. 360° means that as the audio plays, visitors can turn their heads to move closer or further away from a given audio object, creating a more immersive experience. One audio recording can last anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes.

Visitors can lock their belongings away at the entrance and are encouraged to do so. These are included in the ticket price and have been adequately provided within the exhibition's maximum capacity.

How big is the exhibition and how long will it take?

There are six tents, each with 30 chairs, with a total recording time of roughly 15 minutes, allowing for 90 minutes of pure listening time. However, visitors are encouraged to take breaks to reflect on the sounds, observe current soundscapes, and move in and out of the exhibition to explore the soundscape themes in and around Munich.

Parents are advised to hold their younger children's hands during audio listening periods and keep their smartphones in case of an emergency.

Can I purchase the headphones at the exhibition and what do I do if I lose them?

Yes, a fresh pair of headphones can be bought at the manufacturer's designated stand at the exhibition entrance. It is to be noted that the headphones' manufacturer operates this stand commercially and may not be able to answer every question regarding the exhibition itself.

Visitors are asked to return their set of headphones at the exit. Should the headphones be damaged, broken, or lost, then the visitor will be required to pay an appropriate fee. All headphones are assigned a specific ticket number upon the visitor's entry, and all headphones are checked immediately upon return. The visitor has agreed to pay the fine, i.e., the cost of replacement, upon purchasing the ticket and thereby agreeing to the terms and conditions.

Is the exhibition available in multiple languages?

The exhibition only has one universal language: sound. While certain soundscapes may include German, no German language skills will be required for the experience. All tents will be marked with a picture rather than a term to indicate the theme of the soundscapes played in each tent, respectively.

Am I being recorded or otherwise observed?

No recordings or observations are made of any visitor at the site. While the exhibition does have an academic background through which the recordings of the soundscapes were made possible - i.e., the access to the sound equipment, knowledge, and context - the visitors themselves are not the direct object of a research study. Rather, the project is an effort to strengthen the relationship of Munich's residents and visitors with their sound environments and open up the discussion on possible future efforts in this realm. The exhibition does not dedicate itself to any (additional) political positions.

Can I give my ticket to someone else?

This is not possible for one single reason: to realize the exhibition income from ticket sales is needed, as financial grants from the City of Munich only partially cover the costs. We have tried to design prices as low as possible and give price reductions to those most vulnerable to excessive pricing. The headphones are provided by the manufacturer free of charge in order to provide visitors with their unique 360° sound experience and to promote its products. The exhibition team can in no way be legally held responsible for any experience at the manufacturer's stand.