Making kin with microbes installation

Did you know that your gut is home to millions of microbes—your tiny companions in life? How do you feel about being a home yourself? What is it like for microbes to dwell there? Who might be part of this household?

The installation offers a playful, imaginative, and research-based journey into the large intestine.

The whole family is welcome to explore the installation during opening hours. The installation works best if explored together, children with accompanying adults. Gut Gardeners will be present to offer guidance in English and Finnish when needed.

The research project began in August 2024 with an art workshop created by Aalto and Bubla. It was held at the Henneri’s Open Early Childhood Education Centre in Tahmela as part of the MUKAMAS2024 – International Puppet Theatre Festival in Tampere.

During the session, children listened to stories about microbes and created miniature microbes using natural materials. They then placed these microbes in imaginary environments to create their own stories.

“We got feedback that the children not only enjoyed imagining microbes but also continued caring for their microbes afterwards. They took them home and put them to bed to sleep” says Aalto.

More about the project: https://www.tuni.fi/en/tau/news-and-events/microbial-encounters-families-catalyse-change-study-combined-science-and-art