When

Currently on display

Location

Gallery 2

Audience

Everyone

About

Create art from movement with Questacon’s iconic Harmonograph! A Questacon staff member sets the Harmonograph in motion to draw a pattern on paper. Watch the intricate design emerge as the platform swings and sways, and take the pattern home with you when it’s finished!

How it works

The swinging platform of the Harmongraph acts as a giant pendulum. When gently pushed, the platform  begins to twist and swing back and forth, moving a piece of paper under stationary pens suspended above. The lines drawn by the pens are a record of the Harmongraph’s rhythmic motion as it slowly loses the energy gained from the push.