Surreal Science at Haarlem’s Teylers Museum is a quirky, new exhibition of surreal but fascinating science objects. I would describe it as something of a psychedelic experience of art, sound, film and lots of colour.
Think of illuminated papier-mâché flowers, velvet toadstools and wax models of diseased lemons (I loved these). Surreal Science at the Teylers Museum presents a refreshing interpretation of scientific objects that one wouldn’t usually think of in an artistic way.
Artsy science
The objects on display are 19-century scientific teaching models and illustrations that are no longer in use but still have great historic and aesthetic value. I’ve never seen scientific teaching models displayed in such a creative way.
There are about 250 models on display that belong to art collector, George Loudon. Italian artist, Salvatore Arancio, transforms the objects into a contemporary art installation with sound, light and film. His own ceramic sculptures are also on display.
Accessible art
Surreal Science is a one-room exhibition that’s easy to explore and experience. Pop in and see it at the Teylers Museum if you can! It’s a fun one, I think.
If you’re looking for more unusual science experiences, I can also recommend Micropia in Amsterdam. I wrote about it here: It is the world’s only museum of microbes. It is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve ever seen.
Surreal Science: Wunderkammer of Art and Science is on until 3 September 2023. Click on this link to book tickets. Access is free with The Netherlands Museum Pass.
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