The exhibition
"I am so excited by this world, which I knew nothing about before!" Tiny creatures underwater – what at first glance seems unapproachable is presented sensually and fact-based in this interdisciplinary exhibition.
The exhibition has so far been shown in Germany and Spain.
Hello Plankton! invites visitors to discover the amazing world of these tiny superheroes through a blend of science and art. The exhibition features vibrant illustrations, interactive stations, microscopic discoveries, and simple scientific experiments. All of this combines to make the complex topic clear and accessible.
Key biological topics are presented in an exploratory, creative, playful, and easily understandable way. How did life evolve from single-celled plankton, and how crucial is the partnership between planktonic algae and corals for reef ecosystems? Visitors have the opportunity to explore these questions through current research, observe live plankton under a microscope, read, marvel, and experiment.
The exhibition is a tool
for the transfer of knowledge between research and society.
Out of the ivory tower!
The exhibition is ideal for use at the threshold of a new era.
between science and society.It promotes communication and strengthens exchange among researchers.
Aesthetic, distinctive, memorable exhibition design
Sustainable materials, reusable, environmentally friendly,
low waste, resource conservation
Expandable with new content and research projects
Pop-up format
Adaptable to spatial conditions
Easy and quick assembly and disassembly
Cost-effective transport
Currently available in Spanish and German,
English and Catalan are planned.
The information boards
Hello Plankton!, Plankton is…, Superheroes, Lights on!, Coral Loves Plankton (Guse Lab of LMU) , The Magnificent 8 (Multicellgenome Lab of Pompeu Fabra University Barcelona) – this is the current scope of the information panels. Further down you will find more information about the available modules and hands-on stations.
What is your plankton theme?
Tell us about it! The exhibition is designed to grow; we look forward to your content and ideas and will gladly integrate them – in a way that is easy to understand.
The information panels are easy to carry, simple to assemble, and flexible in their placement. This allows for the design of different spaces. (If necessary, the feet can be weighted down with sandbags.)
Available exhibition modules
and interactive stations:
Exhibition panels (each 119 x 220 cm) 1 x Plankton Intro – Visual introduction in the style of a book 2 x "Coral Loves Plankton" – Insights into symbiosis research by the Guse Lab at LMU Munich 2 x "Plankton Is..." – Presentation of fascinating plankton characteristics 2 x "The Magnificent 8" – Illustration of evolutionary connections, based on research from the Multicellgenome Lab at Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona 1 x "Lights On!" – Glowing plankton (for the bioluminescence experiment) 1 x "Superheroes" – Exciting facts about the protagonists of the plankton memory game
Interactive elements Game station with a plankton memory game Creative station with templates for creating rainbow scratch art Bioluminescence experiment embedded in a historical seafaring story 7 tactile 3D models of plankton – Experience the diversity of armored dinoflagellates
Science Station Laboratory-style microscopy station for observing plankton and coral symbioses using transmitted light and fluorescence microscopy Screen with digital content illustrating the magic, diversity, and beauty of plankton in form and function
Reading "Plankton Knowledge," presentation of the book, insights into its creation and the collaboration between the artist and researchers
Reading "Plankton Knowledge," presentation of the book, insights into its creation and the collaboration between the artist and researchers
Optional: XXL banner similar to the one in the port of Àguilas that draws attention to the event.
Requirements
Space: approximately 75 – 100 sqm (depending on size and setup)
a completely dark room for the bioluminescence experiment
(e.g. toilet)Chairs, tables, lighting
Projector (book presentation by Kristina Heldmann)
Monitors (for the researchers' films, if necessary)
If available and desired: equipment for a microscopy station
(can also come from LMU Munich by arrangement)
Cost
-
Depending on the scope and effort, by arrangement
Do you want to give plankton a stage?
Our exhibition loves to travel! Whether it's an atrium, lobby, conference hall, cultural space, or museum, Hello Plankton! can be flexibly and modularly adapted to your specific spatial requirements. The exhibition components are easy to transport and quick and easy to set up.
The exhibition at the Biotopia Lab in Munich, June 2025