The theatre of experiments

Teaching physics through demonstration and experimentation.
This was the conviction behind the courses Geneva scholar Marc-Auguste Pictet (1752-1825) delivered to Academy students for over 40 years. He also gave public courses for adults which were open to women.
Pictet built up an extensive cabinet of demonstration instruments purchased from the best European makers. These later became one of the founding collections of the Academy Museum and, later still, of the History of Science Museum.
This exceptional collection is at the heart of our exhibition. Replicas of the instruments and interactive displays inspired by the great classical demonstrations of physics, give visitors an opportunity to test and learn about the phenomena being presented. Everyone will be able to find a moment to be inspired and to marvel.