Casa Modeon brings the Gilded Age to life through music
Where better to display a collection of over 200 gramophones, phonographs and music boxes than in one of the Centro’s grandest Art Nouveau townhomes?
Until now a private residence, Casa Modeon Mérida invites visitors to view a most unlikely collection of mint-condition musical antiques documenting the music industry’s evolution from 1820 to 1930.
The exhibition is throughout the Gilded-Age home, starting with a hologram tour guide to welcome guests.
The Modeon collection shows generations of technical achievements and cultural trends. Documentation in Spanish and English provides background information on the individual models and their manufacturers. Some are in working order and in their original condition.
A recent party at Casa Modeon revealed several exhibition rooms, including one large enough for dances, a café or concerts. It is fitted with a projector and modern sound system to display a festive and glittering video mapping show. Its designer, Luis Fernando Ramírez, is also known for his video mapping at the Cathedral, among other historic landmarks. Throughout are spaces for live entertainment and presentations.
Up the majestic marble staircase, Casa Modeon includes an elegant “Dress-Up and Enjoy” costume room where visitors can turn into ladies and gents from the Edwardian, Belle Epoque or Roaring Twenties periods.
Modeon is a fusion of Mérida and Odeon, a Greek word meaning a building for musical performance. The name also suggests an intention to interact with the public. But a certain reverence for the collection is at the forefront.
“The gramophones are not just musical instruments,” explains Modeon’s art director, Pablo Mercader Duch. “They are also works of art and technical masterpieces that occupy an important place in music history.”
Mercador Duch, a Mérida native known in drag as ElHada, made a special appearance at Modeon’s opening party. He was the choreographer and costume designer for Casa Modeon’s videos, which Ramírez filmed.
Modeon has also provided a new concert venue for Cuarteto Yucatán, the renowned string quartet that performed at the opening party.
Casa Modeon, Calle 56 483A near 55, is open by appointment starting Nov. 28. WhatsApp +52 999-992-9149 or info@casa-modeon.com. Special events and dates for “High Tea at Modeon” will be announced at casa-modeon.com. IG: @casa_modeon
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