The Rain Museum

(rain falling) (distant city bustle) Some museums preserve history, while others celebrate painted canvases and molded sculptures. (rain falling) In this museum, however, the subject is always rain. (rain falling) Behind its wide doors are rooms shaped by falling water. (rain falling) Slow drips gather in quiet pools, storms roll through dim halls, and mist lingers in softened light. (rain falling) Once inside, the temperature shifts. (rain falling) Almost imperceptibly. (rain falling) The air is cooler here. (rain falling) Quieter. (rain falling) Before we step inside, let's take a moment for a brief wind down exercise. (rain falling) So, when you're ready, let's begin. (rain falling) So, first, get comfortable in your bed. (rain falling) Now, just bringing the attention to the breath. (rain falling) Just noticing where you feel it. (rain falling) In the nose, the throat, (rain falling) the chest, (rain falling) the diaphragm. (rain falling) You are nice and relaxed. (rain falling) We're going to be taking a deep breath, in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. (rain falling) So, are you ready? (rain falling) Let's begin. (rain falling) In for four, two, three, four. Hold it for four, two, three, four. Now, breathing out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now, returning the breath to normal. (rain falling) (peaceful music) The "Umbrella Ceiling" installation opens upward into a tall, dimly-lit gallery. (peaceful music) (rain falling) Lining the ceiling are countless open umbrellas, floating in quiet rows. (peaceful music) (rain falling) Below them, a dark marble floor reflects their shapes in softened shadows. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The umbrellas' curved interiors face upward, catching the rain that falls steadily from above. (peaceful music) (rain falling) Water gathers inside each umbrella, forming thin pools that never overflow. (peaceful music) (rain falling) Beneath the umbrellas, small projectors rest quietly, (peaceful music) (rain falling) sending points of white light upward that glow against the mirrored interiors. (peaceful music) (rain falling) As raindrops tap the pooled water, ripples spread across the mirrored surfaces, sending moving patterns of light across the walls. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The thin metal ribs of the umbrellas glint faintly whenever the projector's light catches them. (peaceful music) (rain falling) If one looks closely, the scattered pinpoints of light begin to resolve into constellations. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The little dipper, a hunter's belt, an archer's bow. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The patterns shift as the rain drops and light continue to create the stars. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The rainfall here carries the resonance of a spring storm. (peaceful music) (rain falling) Clear, bell-like tones bloom and linger in the air. (peaceful music) (rain falling) The notes overlap, expanding outward like chimes stirred...