Natur.Schau.Spiele.

Our senses as guiding theme

An eye, a hand, a head: they stand for our perception. You will encounter them again and again in the exhibition. As a signpost in the foyer, as a means of orientation in the three exhibition rooms, and as a symbol of the three sections into which the exhibition is divided.

To understand natural phenomena, we have to start with our own perception. We see, hear, feel, smell, taste – and from this we create our image of the world. But how exactly does this work?

Experience how a figure can be recognized from just a few dots, why an infinite sequence of tones is frightening, and how our sense of sight can deceive us.

Whether we are absentmindedly playing or purposefully conducting experiments: to truly understand the world, we have to explore it with our hands and feet. What do we discover when we fearlessly venture into new territory?

Find out when water defies gravity, why a wave appears to stand up, and how vibrations produce an image.

Phenomena in nature can arouse different feelings. They can touch us, impress us and amaze us, excite us or help us relax. What do you feel when you connect with nature?

Discover how metals reflect light, why butterflies glow without color pigments, and when soap bubbles shimmer in the brightest colors.

Natural science from an artistic perspective

In Natur.Schau.Spiele, we bring art and science together. A variety of installations offer a very different approach to the phenomena, impressively combining art, science, and technology.t

Anything can be a mirror! The New York artist Daniel Rozin plays with this idea. His art installations Angles Mirror (2012) and Sel Centered Mirror (2024) respond to the viewer and only unfold their full potential through interaction.

Rueben Margolin, an American artist, is known for his kinetic art sculptures. His large-format, wave-shaped installation Filament (2022) was also inspired by motion seen in nature.

The exhibition as an overall experience

Play and experimentation are at the heart of the twenty interactive stations in the special exhibition Natur.Schau.Spiele. Those who want to learn more about the phenomena will find additional explanations and historical references. Audio clips give a voice to people who come into contact with these phenomena every day – from football (soccer) players to scientists. There is also space to pause for thought. Take a seat and immerse yourself in the colors of the northern lights glowing on the walls high above your head.

Robert Mayer Lecture

In keeping with the special exhibition, experimenta’s Robert Mayer Lecture series also addresses our relationship to nature. How can we rediscover our fascination for the natural environment?
What responsibility do we have to preserve nature in its entirety and in its uniqueness?
Experts discuss these and other questions with the audience. They share new scientific findings and striking personal experiences with nature.

The series will continue in 2025. All current dates are available online in our Events Calendar [events are held in German]. Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter during opening hours.