Universcience, an organisation that works to make science accessible to all, has taken an intimate look at the subject of love with its current touring exhibition. About Love has previously been shown at four locations across France, where it has welcomed 256,800 visitors. It is now open at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon and will be on show until 25 August 2024.
A representative from the firm explains: “What subject of interest could be more universal than love! The touring exhibition, About Love, embarks on an unprecedented exploration of this enigmatic emotion, delving into its intricacies from both cultural and scientific perspectives. As we celebrate the season of love, this exhibition is especially poignant, offering a profound reflection on the mysteries of the heart.”
Fresh Science
About Love explores love from various perspectives, including biology, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, to enhance our knowledge of this complicated emotion. A combination of films, interactive devices, audiovisual installations, multimedia, and artworks is used to create an unusual and compelling love story.
The exhibition is designed to appeal to 15 to 25 year olds and captures the spirit of Valentine’s Day. It is part of Universcience’s Fresh Science programme, which works to make science engaging and approachable for a younger audience by showcasing scientific discoveries and their societal implications.
There are seven parts to the exhibition’s thematic journey, and each one adds to the larger story of love. Every segment presents an alternative viewpoint on the emotion, ranging from the central query of “What is love?” to the investigation of its biological and societal complexities.
A key feature is the exploration of the scientific mechanisms which underpin the experience of love. “By bridging the gap between science and emotion, About Love offers a profound exploration of the various facets of this complex emotion, making it a fitting celebration for Valentine’s Day,” comments the firm.
Science & art
The exhibition space features alternating luminous and intimate settings. Upon entering, guests are presented with a giant feathered heart that vibrates and palpitates and represents the warmth and brightness of the emotions being examined.
This love story then unfolds in seven chapters; What is love?; Attachment, a bond that protects – a tie that liberates; Online affairs; How does the body express itself?; The art of loving others; Evidence of love; and How is sexuality made?
“In conclusion, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day,” says Universcience, “About Love transcends the conventional exploration of love, offering a unique blend of scientific inquiry and artistic expression.
“Its success in engaging a diverse audience and its extensive tour highlight the universal appeal and relevance of the subject matter. As the exhibition continues to provoke thought and inspire discussions, it stands as a testament to the enduring curiosity and fascination surrounding the mysteries of love.”
The exhibition has previously been shown at Paris’ Palais de la Découverte, Toulouse’s Quai des Savoirs, Pont du Gard, and Zoom in Laval. It is now on display at Lyon’s Musée des Confluences. Here, the show is named All Our Loves and features items developed by the venue.
Last year, Universcience celebrated the success of its touring exhibition Microbiota, based on Guilia and Jill Enders’ book Gut: the Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ, which has shared its insight into the depths of our bodies across the world. The exhibition originally debuted at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris, France in 2018.
