The Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon was installed at the Chicago Botanic Garden in 1986 and quickly became a popular landmark. According to the informational sign placed nearby (yes, I took a photo of it so I’d remember the details!), it was crafted in Holland and is one of the few hand-played carillons in the U.S.
Carillon musicians come from around the world to play evening concerts here during the summer months. The carillon’s bronze-cast bells have a range of four octaves and are activated via a large keyboard. The smallest of the 48 bells weighs 24 pounds; the largest, 2.5 tons!
Note: This is my interpretation of Lines, the WordPress Photo Challenge for the week. We’re tasked with depicting lines, whether straight or curved, natural or man-made. It’s not too late to get in on the fun. Here’s how.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Wow, Debbie. Terrific. I would love to hear that. Never did since I left Chicago before 1986.
I would, too, John. It was silent the day Domer and I toured the botanic garden. I probably need to take another trip up there, this time to catch a carillon concert. It must be something to hear!
😀
Intriguing image! I like the perspective…
Thanks for stopping by — glad you found something of interest to view!
How fascinating!
Thanks, Cindy. I love when I learn something new and pass it along to others, who in turn find it of interest!
Debbie, I love…love…love the photograph you took. It’s so strikingly beautiful! I especially love your perspective.
I also found the history fascinating. I spent a summer living in Holland (Amsterdam) and really enjoyed it. The architecture and history is incredible. And I found the Dutch friendly, open, and very laid back.
Thanks for sharing, my friend. Enjoyed!
Have a great rest of your week.
X
Did you see tulips in Amsterdam, Ron? I always picture fields of blooming, colorful tulips when I think of Holland. Of course, I’ve never been there, and I imagine it has way more to offer than just flowers, but still….
Glad you liked this one. It was silent when we were there, but it was an afternoon, after all. Gives me another “excuse” for a visit, ha!
Happy Thursday! xo
This is an incredible thing!
Thanks, Lucy — glad you enjoyed it!
Fabulous photo, Debbie! Wouldn’t that be wonderful to hear?
I agree and told Domer last night that we need to catch a carillon concert. We visited on a sunny afternoon, but the concerts are in the early evening. We’ll just have to go back, that’s all there is to it!
Carillons are wonderful instruments. The complexity of the music that can be played on them is astounding, especially when you get a good look at their simplicity and relatively small size. There are traveling carillons, too. One guy’s apparently pretty well known. He makes the circuit of Renaissance Faires and such, wearing a bird costume. It sounds weird, but the man can play!
I think some of our churches have something similar to a carillon, but I also think they’re mechanized. Seeing a real person playing something like this would be ever so delightful. With its height, I suspect the bells’ tones project over the entire garden area!
Linda, I got a kick out of the “bird-man.” Perhaps we all need a gimmick, and he seems to have found his. Regardless of his taste in costumes, he plays well, and it looked like his performance was well-received. Thanks for taking time to find the link for us!
I would LOVE to hear that! (Nice lines too)
Me, too — thanks for dropping by!