Natural history museums are institutions where histories of nature are constructed and communicated. Since their inception, museums have employed artistic means to create compelling visual representations of nature and its history in visitors’ minds. These representations have evolved over time, reflecting different institutional approaches that range from emphasizing ‘pure science’ to engaging in the popularization of knowledge.

By rendering the invisible visible, art not only enhances scientific communication but also challenges established visualizations of natural history. We seek to explore the epistemological potential of artistic imagery in a museums context, deepening our understanding of the relationship between art and science in shaping natural histories.

Nov 3–4 (Mon–Tue): Conference opening at the „Naturhistorisches Museum Wien“
Nov 5–6 (Wed–Thu): Continuation in Salzburg at the „Haus der Natur“ and other venues
Nov 7 (Fri): Final excursion to “the world’s first museum” at Schloss Ambras in Innsbruck

Note: Due to limited space and number of participants, registration is mandatory.

Concept, organisation: Haus der Natur (Salzburg), Naturhistorisches Museum Wien in cooperation with “Figurations of Transition”/“Arts & Knowledges” (Paris Lodron University and Mozarteum University, Salzburg) with the support of the Archabbey of St. Peter and Literature Forum Salzburg “Leselampe”.

Picture credits: Wolfgang Grassberger, 1952. From the Realm of Our Work, 400 × 180 cm (Haus der Natur, Repro: H. Auer).  Commissioned by E. P. Tratz, founder of the Haus der Natur.