HELLO BRAIN! is a free exhibition at the Francis Crick Institute, exploring the brain and how it works.
Open from 2 March until 7 December, the exhibition spans the beginning of neuroscience to recent discoveries and technological progress. It explores key themes, including sleep, pregnancy, old age and perception.
The exhibition is aiming to highlight research into advancing our understanding of the brain, carried out at the Francis Crick Institute.
The labs featured in the exhibition work on growing neurons, creating 3D brain maps and understanding why animals and humans act in different ways. As well as that, it explores damage to the brain and how the brain creates thoughts.
HELLO BRAIN! brings this research to life through features, including 3D-printed brains, knitted neurons and floating curtains.
Marvel at what we know
Andreas Schaefer is group leader of the Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory at the Crick, and senior advisor for HELLO BRAIN!. He said: “The brain is probably the most complex object in the known universe, and it’s ever-changing throughout our lives.
“One of the biggest challenges in neuroscience is understanding the connectome: how billions of cells are connected with each other and communicate to produce behaviour which makes us uniquely human.
“Labs at the Crick, including my own, are working at the forefront of neuroscience, aiming to uncover the secrets of the brain, from what happens at different life stages to the impact of disease and injury.
“The HELLO BRAIN! exhibition offers visitors the chance to marvel at what we know, and contemplate what’s still left to discover.”
A journey of discovery
Holly Cave, Curator of HELLO BRAIN!, said: “Visitors can peek into the fascinating conversations and lab tours I’ve had with Crick scientists, getting as close as possible to the cutting-edge neuroscience research happening above their heads.
“From working with mums in the local community to find out how parenthood has changed them, to learning how the brains of mice, crocodiles, goldfish, and other animals have evolved to suit their needs, this has been such an exciting exhibition to curate.
“I invite visitors to join us on a journey of discovery, busting myths about the brain, challenging their preconceptions and exploring what makes them who they are.”
The exhibition is located in the Manby Gallery on the ground floor of the Francis Crick Institute. It takes around 30 minutes to go through and is designed for people aged 12 and over (with books and toys for younger children also available). Access resources are available, including large print, Braille and Easy Read materials, and British Sign Language and Audio Described tours.
People can also book bespoke visits to the exhibition, including an introduction from the gallery host. For more information about bespoke tours, contact exhibitions@crick.ac.uk.
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