The Curiosity Cabinet of Science

Science is aesthetics. Leaving incomprehensible technical terms and dry formulas behind, the touring exhibition “Wunderkammer Wissenschaft [The Curiosity Cabinet of Science]”, presents fascinating images to marvel at and to relax with when seeing. As part of this, the sixteen centers of the Helmholtz show detailed samples of their work. Included among these is the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) which will present work on themes entitled “Sprit of Straw”, “Grid-Computing”, “Nano-structures” and “Summit Station”.
Sixteen “Curiosity Cabinets” projected on large-format screens show moving close-ups of nano-pyramids and biological structures, insights into complex measuring instruments and experiments, views of extreme landscapes and cosmic catastrophes, thereby making vividly perceptible the original impulse that motivates research – the marveling at the wonders of the world.

“Curiosity Cabinets” have a long tradition: in former periods of history they would exhibit bizarre objects taken from nature, science and art. They constituted the world in miniature as a means to study it, thus constituting the germ cell of many scientific collections and museums. However, with respect to the content, research themes and the contributing institutions, the pictures exhibited can provide information and may be drawn on at several levels of mediation. Visitors may pursue what they view in greater detail by means of podcasts, self-compiled exhibition catalogs or on the Internet. The exhibition may be viewed during the Karlsruhe Museum Night (KAMUNA) on 7 August, 2010.