The opening symposium of the exhibition, serving as the prelude to this special exhibition, will feature three collaborative curators, participating artists, and academic partners of the exhibition — the Department of Astronomy at Tsinghua University and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences — to participate in discussions. This will be an in-depth intertwining of art and science, as well as an international dialogue from a broad astronomical perspective.

The forum’s agenda centers on the intersection of science, art, and the cosmos, structured around three thematic discussions: “Cosmic Canvas: Bridging Science and Art,” “Beyond the Lens: Discovering Wonders Through the Telescopes,” and “Sustainable Horizons: Charting the Future of Space Exploration.” Each curator will deliver a keynote address on their designated topic and act as a moderator, facilitating discussions on space art, public communication of large-scale scientific research projects, and sustainable practices in space exploration.

The opening forum plans to collaborate with the Zikawai Library. Throughout history, the spirit of “inquiring about the sky” has been embedded in the cultural genes of Xuhui — the first Far Eastern meteorological observatory, Xujiahui Observatory, and the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have witnessed significant developments in modern Chinese meteorological and astronomical research. Zikawai Library, a landmark library in Shanghai, resonates with the theme and content of this symposium due to its unique geographical location, its connection with astronomy, and its cultural background blending Eastern and Western influences.

In 2022, EPFL Pavilions presented the exhibition Cosmos Archaeology, aimed at bridging the gap between scientific rigor and visual experience. Through two years of research, EPFL’s Laboratory for Experimental Museology (eM+) and Laboratory of Astrophysics (LASTRO) developed immersive interfaces for astrophysical data, including interactive simulations, immersive projections, 3D films, and augmented reality. Swissnex in China, acting as a connector between Switzerland and China in science and innovation, proposed a collaboration with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum to showcase this exhibition. We invited Chinese curator Iris Long to curate a complementary exhibition, fostering dialogue and workshops on experimental museology and sustainable space with international experts. The project aims to inspire the public and facilitate in-depth discussions on space science.

Presented by Shanghai Astronomy Museum, EPFL and Swissnex in China, Cosmos Archaeology will will bring the latest international achievements at the intersection of art and astronomy to domestic audiences. The exhibition follows the trajectory of light from the vast and distant depths of space to the surface of the Earth. In the six chapters of “Deep Space,” “Galaxy/Solar System,” “Orbit,” “Ground,” “Human History/Myths,” and “Quantum,” each piece weaves a narrative of a certain scale: how the origin of the universe is archaeologically explored, how new ecosystems appear in Earth’s orbit, how large astronomical devices gaze into deep space, and how the history and mythology of the sky are narrated in contemporary times.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXHIBITION “COSMOS ARCHAEOLOGY”