EXHIBITION PROJECT

The local sphere, which focuses on the alpine environment, will unfold around the architectural element of the “anti mountain” (the four floor high, cone – shaped “hole” around which the exhibitions are developed). The geological history of the Dolomites, the colonization of the alpine environments by animals and humans, alpine biodiversity and even more are part of this. Moving away from this central structure, the exhibitions abandon the local dimension to consider science on the universal scale. Topics generally linked to science and innovation are represented, along with sustainability, environmental care, energy and its conscious use. Furthermore, we find macro and micro worlds, to explore using the scientific method and scientific applications as tools.
Reconstructions of dinosaurs emerge from the basement, acting as visual contact point between the visitors and the exhibition section. Taking this as a starting point, a “multimedia lift” can be taken to reach the top of MUSE and visit the exhibition from the top downwards, following the  narrative thread of biodiversity. Otherwise, starting from the ground floor, the energy sector can be reached directly (following the thread energy, climate, environmental care) for a visit from the bottom upwards. In this case the narration will gradually lead from energy and environmental sustainability to  the biodiversity sector.
The lift is a means to communicate, inform, astonish, and uses the time needed to reach the fourth floor to show short, high emotional impact films to present the exhibition topics. Upon arrival, visitors have access to a terrace with measuring instruments, tools to take their bearings and descriptions of the landscape before beginning the visit.

Starting from the glacier (and ice age) situated on the fourth and third floors, a first main theme regards alpine ecosystems and local biodiversity. This theme is developed vertically, from the third to the first floor, along the flanks of a symbolic mountain. On the second floor the naturalistic topic of biodiversity is replaced by that of mountain anthropization (from the Neolithic period onwards) which then leads to the transformation of the landscape, sustainability, environmental care, impact and risk. This storyline proceeds to consider energy aspects (saving, efficiency, new sources, of the building) and links to the topic of the climate and its current changes. The route leads to the rainforest greenhouse: this bears witness to global biodiversity and illustrates some of the Museum's specific research programmes, and also represents a strong link to the international support programmes initiated by the Autonomous Province of Trento.
The basement exhibition is dedicated to the underworld, with reconstructions of mines, elements of structural geology and geodynamics and with fossil footprints (highlighted by the presence of dinosaur replicas).

Finally, special thought has been dedicated to the approach that will be used to deal with “basic science” within MUSE. Its representation is characterized by great fascination and curiosity, and has gained wide success with the public. In MUSE basic science will be approached using everyday phenomena to illustrate its role in our daily life. Physics and mathematics are present throughout the exhibition and are recalled in pleasant and surprising ways through exhibits and experimental activities to learn about or acquire greater knowledge about phenomena. This offers a unique opportunity to make acquaintance with the scientific method, to speak about measurements, to unveil the boundary between science and pseudoscience.