A fascinating and often unknown universe is revealed at Città della Scienza with the revamped exhibition “Insects & Co. The Living Laboratory,” open to the public from April 1.
The exhibition, expanded and enriched with both two new sections (“Evolution of Arthropods” and “Insects and Man“) and two new educational laboratory spaces (“The Living Laboratory“) promises to take visitors of all ages on an engaging journey to discover the diverse world of insects and arthropods, creatures fundamental to the balance of our planet and an inexhaustible source of inspiration for science.
Today the ribbon cutting with the vice-president of Città della Scienza, Dr. Pina Tommasielli, with Dr. Anita Florio, Director of the Operational Unit for the Campania Region “Promotion and Enhancement of Museums and Libraries,” and also Dr. Walter Savarese d’Atri, Chairman of the School, Education and Budget Commission of the City of Naples.
In addition, the participation of children from theSanta Dorotea Institute of Naples in the Insettigator workshop and the presence of the Preschool “Phaedrus” – 5th Circolo Comunale who brought a burst of joy and color, with the little ones between 4 and 5 years old dressed up as bees, beekeepers, caterpillars, ladybugs and butterflies.
“Insects & Co. with The Living Lab” is not just a simple exhibition, but a true “immersive and interactive experience“ designed to stimulate curiosity and knowledge through an innovative and engaging educational approach. In addition to renovated exhibition sections, the exhibition welcomes two new laboratory areas dedicated to manual and thematic activities, where the youngest children can become active protagonists in the discovery of the micro-world of arthropods.
Funded by the Campania Region as part of the Public Notice for the Support and Enhancement of Local Authority and Local Interest Museums – Year 2024 (D.D. No. 58 of 14/03/2024 and D.D. 215 of 06/12/2024), the exhibition is divided into a route of more than 400 square meters divided into thematic islands, each dedicated to a specific aspect of the world of insects and arthropods.
A fascinating journey through time, exploring theevolution of insects from primitive arthropods. Through information panels, videos, terrariums and multimedia installations, visitors will be transported to a virtual prehistoric ocean, where even children’s drawings will come to life, transforming into ancestral creatures. Prominent among the exhibition’s exhibits are limuli, considered “living fossils,” and an interactive installation that invites the most creative to build a giant spider web, a symbol of the natural engineering of arachnids.
The exhibition explores the link between the human and insect worlds. Visitors will learn about the ancient practice of beekeeping through an interactive virtual beehive that simulates communication with bees. The use of beneficial insects in biological control of agricultural pests, promoting sustainable agriculture, will also be illustrated. A topical issue will be the impact of alien insects on ecosystems and agriculture.
Another focus is biomimicry, the science that draws inspiration from insects to develop innovative technologies. Concrete examples will be presented, such as drones inspired by dragonfly wings or adhesive materials derived from gecko legs.
The exhibition also focuses on the emotional aspect, offering an opportunity to overcome fears and phobias related to invertebrates and appreciate their beauty and complexity. A variety of live specimens-including limulus, arachnids, myriapods and crustaceans-will be displayed in vitrines accompanied by dedicated films. The experience will be enhanced by weekly insights into different categories of useful and harmful insects.
A unique opportunity to learn more about the world of arthropods through an educational, exciting and innovative approach.