The Towson Arts Collective is exploring a new form of public, interactive music art near the Towson Courthouse: a stand-up piano placed in an outdoor public space, free for anyone to play. Passersby, students, families, professional musicians, and curious first-time players alike will be invited to sit down, press a key, and become part of Towson’s shared soundscape.

We are currently gathering a list of potential upright piano donations as we work toward final approvals from the appropriate governing bodies. If you have a piano you are willing to donate, or would like to be contacted about this project, please use the link below to submit your name and phone number. A member of the Towson Arts Collective will follow up with you directly.

This piano will live fully in the public realm. It will be played in sunshine and rain, painted by children during a community art day, and loved until it reaches the end of its natural life—likely about a year—at which point it will be replaced. The piano does not need to be in tune or cosmetically perfect. Its value comes from participation, expression, and connection, not perfection.

This project is inspired by public pianos seen in cities around the country—including one remembered fondly by our director, captured in the photo —where a simple instrument becomes a gathering place, a memory-maker, and a reminder that art belongs to everyone.

Because music, like community, is meant to be shared.