The aim is to conduct interdisciplinary research into the effects of music on the body and mind, and to generate scientifically sound findings for prevention, therapy and social participation.
A key element is a planned extension building on Beethovenplatz – directly adjacent to the Casals Forum and Kronberg Academy. The building is being financed by a very generous donation from the Strauss family.
At the heart of the extension building will be a small concert hall serving as a “Living Lab”. This space will make it possible to carry out scientific studies involving audience members under real concert conditions, using modern methods such as motion capture, pupillometry and heart rate measurement. Construction is scheduled to begin in autumn, with completion planned for the end of 2028.
Initial research projects are already under way, with further projects in preparation. The institute is also expanding existing collaborations, including with Klinik Hohe Mark in Oberursel, Privatklinik Dr. Amelung in Königstein, and Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, including the project “Interactive Lecture Concerts for People with Dementia”. The Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics in Frankfurt has also been secured as an additional cooperation partner.
Prof. Dr. Michael Madeja will chair the Board of Trustees. The scientific board will consist of Prof. Dr. Stefan Kölsch as spokesperson, Prof. Dr. med. Eckart Altenmüller and Prof. Dr. Christian Gold.