An exhibition co-organised by the NCCR Microbiomes and the Musée de la main in Lausanne.
Making the invisible world of microbes and microbiomes visible to everyone is the aim that has brought the NCCR Microbiomes and the Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV together. Through an interdisciplinary exhibition combining science and art, we invite the public to discover the essential role that microbial communities play in health and in the environment, from the very beginning of life on Earth.
The exhibition takes the visitors on a journey through several microbial habitats: from soils to oceans, the atmosphere or the human body. What are microbes? How do they live? How do they interact with each other and with their environment? What functions do they perform? Microbiomes are at the heart of many biological processes that are essential to the development, maintenance and even repair of the environments they have helped to shape. Their actions can be involved in decontamination, in food processing and preservation, or even in the production of biodegradable materials.
Through interactive displays, visitors can discover the complexity and dynamism of microbial life, as well as the challenges and achievements of fundamental research. Artistic installations question our relationship with the microorganisms that make up our environment and colonise our bodies. Diverse historical and contemporary creations show how the perception of microbes in society has evolved across history.
“INVISIBLES. La vie cachée des microbes” opened to the public on 27 June 2024, World Microbiome Day, and will remain open until January 2026. A rich programme of parallel activities, including public conferences, film screenings, experimental workshops and guided tours, will further develop many topics addressed in the exhibition.
We are extremely grateful to the Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV for embarking on this adventure with us, to the many scientists and artists who have made it possible, and to the institutions and foundations who have generously supported the project.
Conference cycle “Bien vivre avec les microbes ?”
A cycle of moderated conferences will regularly highlight certain topics addressed in the exhibition. During the course of an evening, invited experts will help visitors dive deeper into the roles of microbial communities in the origin of life on Earth, in human health, agriculture, or in building technologies, to name but a few. The conferences are in French and are open to everybody. More information can be found here: flyer conference cycle.
