SEATTLE, July 1, 2025—There will be music in the air when a melodious new exhibit at the Museum opens Aug. 9 to display—and play—some forgotten instruments of war that helped the Allies win WW II.
The Victory Verticals temporary exhibit (Aug. 9-Sept. 7) highlights the little-known story of the Steinway & Sons portable upright pianos that were specially built during World War II to bring morale-boosting music to American troops on land and sea. The “Victory Vertical” piano was smaller than a typical upright, and built to endure bumpy rides on bombers, boats and trucks to the frontlines in all climates around the world.
Victory Verticals will feature three fully restored and tuned veteran Vertical pianos in the World War II gallery. Mini concerts by some of Seattle’s prominent piano players will allow visitors to experience pop tunes as the troops might have heard them 80 years ago.
The exhibit and concerts are free with admission to the Museum. Check the Museum’s online calendar for concert details.
The first weekend of Victory Verticals opens Aug. 9 with an afternoon with experts, artists and performers of the military Steinway.
12-12:45 p.m.
Victory Verticals Backstory with Frank Haude
The creation of Victory Verticals at the Museum was inspired by Victory Vertical collector and restorer Frank Haude, who donated the pianos on display. Haude will open the day’s activities with stories about his how his passionate quest for the pianos has led him on amazing journeys around the world discovering the people, legends and lore of the diminutive Steinways.
1-1:45 p.m.
Victory Verticals as Time Capsules with Piano Restorer and Artist Jordan Cook
The Steinway & Sons Victory Verticals were more than just instruments of wood and wire: they were witnesses. Artist and piano restorer Jordan Cook shares how their construction tells the story of war and how they carry forward the legacies of those who played them. Cook is also visual and performing artist, and one of few technicians actively restoring WWII-era Steinway Victory Verticals.
2-2:45pm
Interlude—Book Talk and Piano Performance by Celia Ducaju, Céline M. Pieters and Théo Braekman
Artist Celia Ducaju and writer Céline M. Pieters celebrate the English release of their French-language graphic novel about World War II troops and their Victory Vertical, Interlude, with a book talk and live Victory Vertical piano performance. Ducaju and Pieters reveal the book’s story with vivid projections, while celebrated pianist Théo Braekman will play a selection of Forties songs featured in the novel. This will be the first U.S. book talk about Interlude with these Europe-based artists.
3pm-3:30pm
Interlude Book Signing with Celia Ducaju and Céline M. Pieters
Images: Illustration of soldiers carrying a Steinway Victory Vertical piano through a snowy forest during World War II, from Interlude, the graphic novel by Artist Celia Ducaju and writer Céline M. Pieters. Courtesy Frank Haude. Photo of a World War II Army band with a Steinway Victory Vertical piano. Public Domain.
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Media Contact:
Ted Huetter/Senior Public Relations Manager
T: 206.768.7105 C: 206.455.5360 Email: thuetter@museumofflight.org
