The MSU Museum is excited to announce its latest exhibition, “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music,” an innovative exploration of Detroit’s role as the birthplace of Techno music and its connection to Afrofuturism. This immersive exhibition will run from Feb. 4 to April 30, at the MSU Museum’s temporary location at 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing.

Afrofuturism, which fuses African diaspora culture with speculative and futuristic elements, finds a powerful voice in sound. Detroit’s Techno music, a defining genre of Afrofuturism, reflects the city’s rich culture and its transformation through industrial and post-industrial eras. By examining Techno’s roots, the exhibition uncovers stories of identity, place, and community while celebrating the innovative spirit of Black Detroit.

The exhibition features several compelling elements that bring the history and impact of Techno to life. At its center is a 45-minute original sound installation by Detroit’s iconic techno collective, Underground Resistance, paired with a video installation by Detroit artist Andrew Charles Edman. This dynamic audio-visual collaboration captures the raw energy and global impact of Techno. Visitors will also discover a selection of artifacts, including club speaker systems from Detroit’s historic Club Heaven, album covers and technological tools such as the Roland 303 and TR-808 drum machines that defined Techno’s sound.

“Underground Resistance has always been about pushing beyond the expected, about showing Detroit youth that technology isn’t just something that replaces jobs — it’s a tool for creating new futures,” says John Collins of Underground Resistance and exhibition community curator.“This exhibition captures that spirit of possibility, showing how Detroit’s techno pioneers turned machines into voices of hope and transformation.”

Throughout the exhibition, the MSU Museum will host a series of engaging programs celebrating legendary figures from Detroit’s techno scene. Highlights include a panel discussion with acclaimed producer and DJ Carl Craig alongside Underground Resistance founder Mike Banks, where they will delve into the evolution of techno. Carl Craig will also perform a special DJ set, showcasing Detroit’s distinctive sound. Additionally, an all-female panel will explore the vital contributions of women to electronic music, culminating in a captivating performance by Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale.

The exhibition space itself has been thoughtfully designed to evoke Detroit’s legendary techno venues. Large video screens and surround sound create a sensory-rich environment that captures the essence of Techno, immersing visitors in the movement’s atmosphere and energy.

“Techno is more than music; it’s a cultural movement that captures Detroit’s resilience and creativity,” said Julian Chambliss exhibition curator. “This exhibition invites visitors to explore how music influences identity and inspires visions of the future.”

“Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music” is open to the public from Feb. 4, 2025, to April 30, 2025, with free admission.

This story originally appeared on the MSU Museum website.