Fossil Art
Experience prehistoric traces of life
"An exhibition to see and feel!"
Special exhibition: 19 November 2012 to 12 May 2013
Opening event: 19 November 2012, 18.00
Audio guide to the exhibition
For the blind and visually impaired visitors an audio guide and Download audio text (PDF, 490 KB) are available for download. Individual audio guide devices and memory cards are available in the exhibition.
What beauty lies in science! "Tracking" back in time takes us into long-past ages of our Earth's history: focusTerra reveals traces of prehistoric animals and sediment structures, which based on their unique beauty resemble works of art – ones set in stone.
The international travelling exhibition "Fossil Art" shows fascinatingly accurate replica of rare rock surfaces from five continents and of breath-taking aesthetics and variety in shapes.
focusTerra makes this natural beauty accessible to everyone. For the first time, also the blind and visually impaired can feel, experience and discover the relief-like rock surfaces. Additional tactile exhibits explain how the traces were formed and invite you to become an explorer yourself. An exciting and multi-sensory exhibition on Earth history for the entire family to enjoy!
During the special exhibition, focusTerra offers a variety of activities.
Free activities:
- Guided tours for everyone, guided by blind and seeing people
On the first and third Wednesday of each month (except for 2 January and 1 May 2013), 18.00
Duration: 1 h
Free participation. Booking is not required. - Tactile workshop for everyone
On the second Wednesday of each month, 15.00
Duration: ca. 1.5 h (Please account for 2 h to include a visit to the exhibition.)
Free participation. Booking. - Fossil Art at lunchtime – Introduction to the special exhibition
Sundays, at noon
After the short introduction in German, you are invited to explore the exhibition on your own.
Free participation. Booking is not required.
Bookable activities:
- Guided tour "Fossil Art"
Duration: 1 h
Rates: School groups: 225 CHF. Groups up to 12 people: 225 CHF (larger groups will be split)
Rates after 17.00: 225 CHF per group
- Tactile Workshop
Bookable only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9.00 to 17.00.
Duration: ca. 1.5 h (Please account for 2 h to include a visit to the exhibition.)
Rates: School groups: 225 CHF. Groups up to 12 people: 225 CHF (larger groups will be split)
Course in cooperation with the Swiss Blindenbund:
- To "see" with ears and hands
Dates:- Thursday, 28 February 2013, 17.00-19.00
- Thursday, 21 March 2013, 14.30-16.30
- Wednesday, 27 March 2013, 17.00-19.00
- Monday, 8 April 2013, 14.30-16.30
- Thursday, 11 April 2013, 17.00-19.00
- Monday, 6 May 2013, 14.30–16.30
Free participation. Download Booking is required (PDF, 108 KB)
The exhibition is supported by:
- external page Swiss Blind Union, Zurich
- external page Swiss National Association of and for the Blind, St. Gallen (SZB)
- external page Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Zürich
This accessible exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of (status September 2012):
- Federal Bureau for Equality of People with Disabilities FBEB
- Nagra
- external page Ernst Göhner Foundation
- external page Mercator Foundation Switzerland
- Petroleum Association
- Friedrich and Amalie Meyer-Baumann-Foundation
- external page Migros dulture percentage
- Quadrant AG
- Dr. Peter Eckardt
- Prof. Peter Fricker
- ETH-Bibliothek