Ghosts and Whispers: Forgotten Stories from Lives in Science

​Science is built on discoveries - but what do we know about the people who made them?

​All too often, our knowledge about scientists is defined by their work. Anna Atkins was a botanist, Mary Cartwright studied mathematics, Maria Sibylla Merian made drawings of caterpillars and butterflies... But who were they as people? Who conducted the research that led to better weather forecasts or inspired the Art Nouveau movement? And why does it matter?

​From seaweed classification to chaos theory, Ghosts and Whispers is an immersive art exhibition that explores the human side of science. Through a series of paintings, it tells the stories of little-known historical figures in research, their discoveries and what we know - or don't know - about them as people.

​Why did Anna Atkins, the author of the first-ever published book with photographs, exclude herself from her own family biography? How did Ernst Haeckel's first wife inspire his lifetime of exploration? What did a woman scientist's life look like in 20th century Cambridge? Learn this and much more while you explore intricate portraits of historical science figures in an immersive exhibition that aims to bridge scientific curiosity and human connection.

​This event is a part of Berlin Science Week 2026. The venue is on the ground floor, has a restroom and is wheelchair accessible. All materials are presented in both English and German, aside from the accompanying live lecture events, which are in English. The exhibition is open daily 2-10 November 12-20h. Free admission.