Permanent exhibition

Brains

It is one of the most complex structures ever created by nature. It develops curiosity, creativity, consciousness, emotions: the human brain. The new permanent exhibition provides an insight into this extraordinary organ, which has not yet been fully explored and which defines us as individuals.

Brains

One of the highlights of the exhibition is a 3D print of the brain of Frankfurt soccer legend Karl-Heinz “Charly” Körbel. The theme of soccer allows visitors to experience complex perceptual processes. In addition, augmented reality is used in a playful way to bring to life key functions of our thinking apparatus, animal perception, and the evolution of the brain. Contemporary media artist Tim Berresheim has designed an unusual exhibition display for this purpose in the form of a spatial sculpture.

A cooperation project between the non-profit Hertie Foundation and the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research.

Teaser

Visitors to the exhibition learn how the brain is structured and what functions it performs. Clear models and animations deepen their understanding of how the different areas of the brain interact. Illustrations and exhibits explain how the cerebral hemispheres control our unique cognitive abilities such as language and creativity, while the cerebellum is responsible for motor skills and balance. The brain stem, as the “control center of life,” regulates basic bodily functions such as breathing and heartbeat.

Visitors can experience the brain in action in a virtual stadium. To do so, they slip into the role of Charly Körbel and interact with an avatar of the soccer player on the field.

“Here you can understand what happens in a player’s brain when he kicks a ball, hears the cheers of the crowd, or the referee blows his whistle,” says curator Adela Kutschke, adding: “This interactive station illustrates how perception, emotions, and reactions are linked in the brain.”

The exhibition also highlights how the brain changes over the course of a lifetime—from infancy to old age. It shows how the brain learns, develops, and adapts to new challenges in the early years. A large-scale connectome model visualizes the complexity of the neural connections that the human brain continues to develop and refine over time.

Artist Tim Berresheim interprets the theme of brains with large wall designs, exhibition mascots, and digitized and rematerialized memorabilia from Charly Körbel’s soccer career. “The creative approach places the complexity of the theme of ‘brains’ in a familiar context. Charly Körbel’s personal story becomes a narrative element that makes scientific content accessible,” explains the artist, adding: “This combination of science and art creates a unique space for reflection and discussion about the brain and its significance.”