The Core Exhibition “Spaces of Knowledge”

The core exhibition “Spaces of Knowledge” takes a close look at science. It explores the following questions: How is knowledge actually created? Who is involved inthe process? What things, instruments and processes are being used? At Forum Wissen, the museum of the University of Göttingen, visitors can explore how knowledge is created.

The Forum Wissen App provides valuable additional information on the entire core exhibition such as sound tracks highlighting different perspectives on some of the objects on display.

Exhibition texts: German/English | App and media stations: German, English, easy language, German sign language

The Prologue Rooms

In the first three exhibition rooms, three basic principles are introduced that will accompany visitors through all subsequent rooms: Perspectives, Practices and Connections.

Drei Skulpturen von Kinderköpfen in einem Schaukasten im Eingangsbereich des Forum Wissen.

Perspectives

Right from the start, visitors are invited to change their perspectives. For in science, too, it is a matter of viewpoints, positions and perspectives. They are influenced by historical, social, political and cultural factors. Who is speaking? Who is being listened to? And who is not?

Eine Museumsbesucherin sitzt auf einer Bank vor einer Videoinstallation aus mehreren Bildschirmen.

Practices

Academic work is not just brain work. Scientific knowledge also relies on craft knowledge and skills as well as everyday routines. Thus, a variety of practices contribute to creating new knowledge at the university.

Connections

By connections we understand the fact that knowledge is created in geopolitical contexts that link people and things. This is illustrated by selected objects that have passed through different hands and times, for different purposes, with far-reaching consequences for the production of scientific knowledge.

The 12 Spaces of Knowledge

In twelve uniquely designed “Spaces of knowledge” over 1,400 objects from the university’s diverse collections are on display: from living algae and antiquities to a historic land surveying instrument and the centrifuge.

Der Raum „Museum“. An den Wänden stehen kubische Metallregale mit einzelnen Ausstellungsstücken.

The Museum

In the museum, knowledge is imparted by displaying objects. Exhibits from the Royal Academic Museum, founded in 1773, show how things change their function and become showpieces and objects of knowledge. What is collected and exhibited? Who makes the selection?

Eine Wand im Raum „Schränke“ aus großen und kleinen Transportkisten sowie älteren und neuen Schränke in denen Forschungsgegenstände aufbewahrt werden.

Cabinets

Cabinets, boxes and drawers help to create order. This order helps to create knowledge and bring it into a system. But it can also create hierarchies and fuel racism.

Zwei Kinder stehen im Raum „Labor“ und testen Riechstifte. Hinter Ihnen stehen Mikroskope und andere Forschungsinstrumente im Regal.

The Laboratory

In the laboratory, the focus lies on the experiment. Controlled conditions are created here in order to be able to compare data collected. Laboratory and measuring instruments present practices from different laboratories. You can experience it hands-on.

Im Raum „Feld“ stehen mehrere große Schautische mit Beschreibungstexten.

The Field

If you want to explore people, animals or natural phenomena in as natural an environment as possible, you have to leave your desk. Discover past and present field research practices in this room.

Mehrere Museumsbesucher*innen betrachten Schaukästen und Wand-Installationen im Raum „Schreibtisch“. Im Vordergrund steht das Abbild eines Überlebensgroßen Laptops, dessen Tastatur auf den Boden gemalt ist.

The Desk

At the desk, ideas are put down on paper, they are organised and prepared for publication. A huge walk-in desk invites you to explore different writing practices.

Die Wände im Raum „Atelier“ sind eng mit Bildern behängt. Im Vordergrund steht ein Schaukasten mit einer Gipsbüste.

The Studio

In the midst of an abundance of images and objects, different methods of visualisation can be compared. What becomes visible? What remains invisible?

Der Raum „Salon“ ist durch zahlreiche Kugel-Lampen an der Decke beleuchtet. Museumsbesucher*innen sitzen in durchsichtigen, kugelförmigen Hängesesseln und tragen große Kopfhörer.

The Salon

There is room for discussion in the salon. Here, contentious issues are negotiated that concern not only science, but also the general public. A sound installation by the Berlin performance group Rimini-Protokoll invites people to take a stand.

Im Raum „Hörsaal“ stehen wie in einem Hörsaal ansteigende Stuhl-Sitzreihen.

The Auditorium

In the auditorium, the focus is on teaching and learning, but also on the professors and how they present themselves. Who is allowed to give lectures? What role do gestures, facial expressions and language play?

Drei Museumsbesucher*innen stehen an einem Tisch im Raum „Werkstatt“ und versuchen ein Objekt aus Tonscherben zusammenzusetzen.

The Workshop

Knowledge is often created in teams of researchers and artisans and craftspeople In the workshop, visitors can learn about the crafts of taxidermy, precision mechanics and restoration using selected examples and experience it hands-on.

Im Raum „Holzweg“ ist tatsächlich ein Weg aus Holz aufgebaut. Drum herum liegen bunte Bauarbeiter-Helme.

The Blind Alley

Experiments can fail, hypotheses can be disproved. That, too, is part of knowledge creation. The blind alley introduces the principle of trial and error. Stories of failure are collected here, which can also lead to new insights.

Im Raum „Markt“ sind mehrere Objekte in Vitrinen, Schaukästen und Tischen ausgestellt.

The Market

On the market, knowledge becomes a commodity. Which products prove successful? What increases the scientific market value? Several Göttingen innovations are presented in this room. The exhibits you have collected in the App can be traded on a media table.

Im Raum „Bibliothek“ steht ein großer halbrunder Turm aus Büchern.

The Library

In the library, knowledge is collected and made available in the form of books – nowadays also digitally. A walk-in tower of books invites you to discover hidden knowledge.