Cell Worlds, an immersive journey into the microscopic world

On Monday March 14, the Cell Worlds project was officially launched at the Bassin des Lumières in Bordeaux. This art and science project takes visitors on a journey into the world of microscopy via contributions from 24 research teams worldwide. The images and films produced by the teams using microscopy have been assembled to offer a breathtaking spectacle for the public.

The project involves two parts: a documentary and an immersive exhibition at the Bassin des Lumières in Bordeaux that will run until January 2023.

Arthur Michaut, a post-doctoral researcher in the Dynamic Regulation of Morphogenesis Unit led by Jérôme Gros at the Institut Pasteur, contributed to the project with a film showing the early development of a quail embryo. He attended the inauguration and had the opportunity to experience the 12-minute immersive journey into the microscopic world – including his own film. The full immersion experience takes place in a vast cube (at the opposite end of the spectrum from the microscopic world awaiting visitors, with each side measuring 15m!), with 360° projection and a soundtrack specially composed for the exhibition. During the exhibition, the incredible collection of creatures that make up the microscopic world is revealed, from single cells to neural networks, from monolayers of migrating cells to developing embryos. Spectators feel as if they are being plunged into the deepest depths one minute and taken on a journey to the outer edges of the galaxies the next. Prepare to be amazed!

This new project, aimed at people of all ages and backgrounds, opens science up to society – a passion shared by Arthur Michaut and Jérôme Gros' team which is increasingly becoming a central thread of the Institut Pasteur community.

To find out more, here are some useful links:

Watch the trailer
Watch the documentary
Find out more about the exhibition
Exhibition website

Crédits photos : Youenn Lerb et Bertrand Bernager