The Cosmos Archaeology Exhibition Concludes with Successful Collaborations and Future Prospects

The exhibition transformed complex astrophysical data into accessible and engaging experiences, allowing visitors to explore six thematic chapters that showcased interactive installations, immersive projections, and 3D visualizations. New artworks curated specifically for the Chinese audience complemented the original installations from EPFL Pavilions, enhancing cross-cultural collaboration between Switzerland and China.

Cosmos Archaeology was curated by Professor Sarah Kenderdine (EPFL’s Laboratory for Experimental Museology), Professor Jean-Paul Kneib (EPFL’s Laboratory of Astrophysics), and independent curator Iris Long. This collaboration highlighted the potential of the humanities and science to work together, inviting fresh perspectives and fostering international dialogue about the cosmos.

A Sino-Swiss successful Arts and Science cooperation

Swissnex in China played a crucial role in the success of the Cosmos Archaeology exhibition by acting as a bridge between Switzerland and China. Swissnex in China initiated the exhibition in Shanghai, promoting collaboration in the fields of science, education, and art. This initiative showcased Swissnex’s expertise in international cooperation, bringing together various stakeholders, including researchers and artists, to create a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation.

Opening Ceremony

From left to right: XIE Yichun (Beijing Yuanzhen Culture Co., Ltd), Jean-Paul Kneib (EPFL), Philippe Roesle (Swissnex in China), WANG Lianhua (CPC committee， Shanghai Science & Technology Museum), SHEN Zhiqiang (Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences), Sarah Kenderdine (EPFL Pavilions), CAI Zheng (Tsinghua University), and LONG Iris (independent curator).

Side Events: Engaging with the Cosmos Beyond the Exhibition

In addition to the exhibition itself, a series of side events and workshops played a crucial role in expanding the conversation between art, science, and the public.

Through the Cosmic Dialogue series, leading artists and scientists were brought together to discuss the creative processes behind their interdisciplinary works. Featuring renowned figures like Semiconductor and Quadrature, the dialogues highlighted how art can poetically reinterpret astrophysical data, offering new ways to experience the universe.

Moreover, the Cosmos has long been a source of inspiration for many science fiction stories. Swissnex in China organized a Sci-Fi Creative Night showcasing the original science fiction stories by eight Fudan University students inspired by their visit to the exhibition. Their narratives sparked discussions about the emotional resonance and innovative perspectives in storytelling and the endless inspiration possibilities of the Cosmos.

Advancing Cosmos Mapping: EPFL Joins the MUST Project

In a significant development, this year a new collaboration between EPFL and Tsinghua University on the Multi-Spectroscopic Telescope (MUST) project took place in parallel to the exhibition. The research collaboration agreement was signed in Beijing during the visit of the Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

The partnership aims to map the filamentary structure of the universe within its first 3 billion years, providing critical insights into dark energy and dark matter, the mysterious forces that constitute 96% of the universe’s content.

This new partnership between EPFL and Tsinghua University underscores the ongoing collaboration between Swiss and Chinese institutions and represents a major leap in cosmic discovery. Swissnex in China is proud to continue its role as a bridge for these groundbreaking scientific exchanges.

Martin Vetterli (EPFL) (top left), LI Luming (Tsinghua University), Jean-Paul Kneib (EPFL) and CAI Zheng (Tsinghua University)

As the Cosmos Archaeology exhibition reached its grand finale, we were thrilled to welcome Claude Nicollier, Switzerland’s esteemed astronaut, at the official closing event and Sino-Swiss Space Sustainability Workshop. Nicollier, who has completed multiple missions aboard the Space Shuttle, captivated the audience with his invaluable insights into space exploration. The workshop gathered experts from Switzerland and China, featuring a special guest, renowned Chinese astronaut Jing Haipeng. He joined a distinguished panel of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts for the conversation. This out-of-space encounter marked a fitting finale to the Cosmos exhibition.

Photos of the Closing of Cosmos Archaeology and Swissnex in China's End-of-Year Event

From left to right: YANG Xuemei (CSTEC), JING Haipeng, Claude Nicollier, Philippe Roesle (Swissnex in China)

Photos from the Sino-Swiss Space Sustainability Seminar

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Cosmos Archaeology?

As the exhibition closes in Shanghai, plans are already in motion for its next chapter. The Cosmos Archaeology exhibition is set to travel in China next year, continuing to engage audiences with the latest developments in space science and artistic innovation.

Swissnex in China is excited to see how the dialogue sparked by the exhibition will continue to evolve, building on the lasting relationships formed through this exceptional project.