Several principal investigators of The Sense – Micah Murray, David Pascucci, Lukas Anschütz, Chantal Berna Renella and Sibylle Menal – together with Carolina Liebling from the Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV have received an Agora grant to develop an immersive and interactive exhibition dedicated to the human senses. The exhibition, entitled “Sensational: An Inquiry into the Senses”, will take place at the Musée de la main from February 2027 to September 2028.
This joint project aims to bring science and society closer together by making the latest knowledge on sensory perception and its impact on everyday life more accessible.
An exploration of the human senses beyond the five senses
The exhibition will feature interactive and multisensory installations exploring the five senses, while going beyond this traditional model to include lesser-known dimensions such as proprioception and interoception.
Visitors will discover how sensory systems influence the perception of the world, cognition, and behaviour, and how this knowledge can be applied in fields such as learning, rehabilitation, and well-being.
A collaboration between neuroscience, culture, and science communication
The project is the result of close collaboration between the scientific teams of The Sense and the team of the Musée de la main UNIL-CHUV, responsible for the design and development of the exhibition.
The Sense contributes its scientific expertise in sensory neuroscience, while the Musée de la main provides its skills in museography and cultural mediation, with an experiential and immersive approach.
Prof. Micah Murray, Scientific and Academic Director of The Sense, states:
“Our goal is to make the science of the senses accessible and engaging, while enabling the public to understand how our perceptions shape our daily lives.” For the Musée de la main, it is important that “this exhibition allows visitors to explore the senses through lived experiences, inviting everyone to feel and question their own perception of the world.”
An immersive exhibition for all audiences
The exhibition is intended for a wide audience: families, teenagers, students, and adults curious about science and culture.
Interactive workshops, lectures, and educational activities will enrich the visitor experience and encourage active and meaningful participation.
Next steps for the project “Sensational: An Inquiry into the Senses”
The project will develop over the coming months with detailed design of content, interactive installations, and exhibition scenography.
Further information about the programme and activities will be communicated in due course.