The Cell, one of the latest initiatives from the Tekniska museet, has established itself as a unique meeting point for art, performance, and life science. As our neighbors here at Forskaren, The Cell is an exciting place where technology and science intersect with creativity and artistic expression. By combining science with art, new perspectives are opened on some of the most complex questions about what it means to be human.

The idea for The Cell emerged from Tekniska museet’s previous work on life science, with the exhibition “Hyperhuman” at Djurgården acting as a catalyst. “Hyperhuman” explored how technology is progressively becoming a part of the human body—a development that lies at the intersection of biology and technology. This exhibition paved the way for a deeper exploration of life science, eventually leading to the creation of a dedicated space for this work in the form of The Cell.

A Platform for New Perspectives
The purpose of The Cell is to create a space where both science and art can coexist and collaborate. Life science is already interdisciplinary, incorporating biology, medicine, and technology. Adding art into the mix further enhances this interdisciplinary nature. At The Cell, visitors are invited to reflect on questions surrounding what it means to be human and why we make the choices we do—questions viewed through both scientific and artistic lenses.

In its first year, The Cell has chosen the theme “Existence,” which is reflected in both its exhibitions and programs. A key example is the “Borderlands” exhibition, which explores the boundaries between life and death and challenges our perceptions of these seemingly binary concepts. Next year, starting in May 2025, the theme will shift to “Human Behavior,” a topic that will be explored in three stages, offering even more opportunities for visitor interaction and engagement.

Technology and Interactivity
The current exhibition at The Cell is aimed at a slightly older audience compared to the Tekniska museet at Djurgården, which is why there is less interactivity. However, advanced technology, including large screens, sound works, and documented artworks, is used to create an engaging and thought-provoking experience. When the new theme, “Human Behavior,” is introduced in May, there will be more interactive elements, allowing visitors to participate more actively in the exhibition.

Science and Art in Collaboration
The Cell is run by Tekniska museet, with Karolinska Institutet (KI) serving as a knowledge partner. Tekniska museet is responsible for the public content, while KI provides research-based information and ensures the scientific accuracy of all materials. This collaboration is central to programs like “Researchers Show Art,” where KI researchers connect their work with the exhibited art pieces. This unique partnership allows complex scientific topics to be presented in a more accessible and engaging way for a broad audience.

Upcoming Events
The Cell has several exciting events lined up. On October 25, they will host a hybrid event featuring dance, lab sessions, projections, and performance—similar to the event they held during Kulturnatten. In December, they will focus on “Death Month,” where students from Konstfack and the Royal College of Music will present new works about death, in collaboration with researchers. These events are open to the public, and with free entry, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the fusion of art and science in a whole new way.

As our neighbors here at Forskaren, The Cell offers a unique and creative environment where the big questions of the future are explored through an interdisciplinary interplay between art and science.

Website: www.thecell.se