Sea organ, Musical sculpture in Zadar, Croatia
The Sea Organ is a sound installation and sculptural work on the waterfront in Zadar, made up of a wide set of white marble steps with tubes running below. The steps lead gently down toward the water, and the design combines visible stonework with hidden mechanics that turn wave movement into audible tones.
Nikola Bašić designed the structure in 2005 as part of a project to rebuild the waterfront after heavy damage during World War II. The opening gave the harbor a new face and linked urban renewal with an artistic approach.
Locals call it Morske orgulje and often suggest it as a meeting spot, especially at sunset when groups gather on the steps. Families sit side by side, listen to the shifting tones and enjoy the open view of the sea and nearby islands.
The steps lie directly on the promenade and remain open at all hours, though evening and early morning tend to be calmer. A visit is most rewarding when the water is moving, as tones shift more often and become easier to hear.
Each wave creates a new sequence of tones, so the melodies never repeat exactly and every visit offers a different sound experience. The sound travels through the tubes and emerges at several points along the steps, creating a spatial effect.
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