Lazerian’s ‘Cathedral of Sound’ Turns Donated Guitars into a Living Musical Sculpture in Manchester

The ‘Cathedral of Sound’ is a large-scale public art installation created by Liam Hopkins of Manchester’s creative studio Lazerian. It embodies the deep connection between the city and its musical heritage. Built from hundreds of donated guitars collected through a citywide Guitar Amnesty, the work transforms these instruments—some pristine, others worn or broken—into a striking wooden pavilion that resonates with the collective memory of Manchester’s music scene. The sculpture goes beyond symbolism: it actively produces sound. A wind-activated system plucks the embedded guitar strings, allowing the structure to play itself in response to changes in the weather. Thus, the artwork becomes a living instrument, performing an ever-shifting symphony of subtle tones.

Visitors are encouraged to step inside the sculpture, surrounded by layers of history embedded in each guitar, from early lessons to forgotten gigs. First exhibited in St Peter’s Square and later moved to Mayfield Park, the installation formed part of Manchester’s ‘Music for the Senses’ art trail, which aims to connect sound, sculpture, and sensory experience. Sustainability is also central to the project: playable guitars were repaired and returned to musicians, while damaged ones were repurposed into artworks across the city. The ‘Cathedral of Sound’ reflects Manchester’s vibrant, innovative spirit—melding art, ecology, and music into a shared public experience that celebrates memory, creativity, and community.