Experience knowledge at Octavo – The collections and archives of ETH Zurich
Research and knowledge brought to life: ETH Zurich presents selected holdings from its collections and archives at the new external location Octavo.
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you: you will be amazed by what you see at Octavo, ETH Zurich’s new external location since November 2020. Research and knowledge from various subjects at ETH Zurich and related areas are presented and explained here on a ten-metre-wide presentation display in a vivid and concise manner.
In passing, as it were, you will experience the fields of knowledge and teaching structures that ETH Zurich encompasses through a series of showcases, and gain insights into an exciting and multifaceted world of research. It will be worth your while to stop and take a closer look!
A presentation of science undergoing change
It starts with a presentation of the ETH Zurich collections and archives. You will learn about the complex work and the broad range of topics through examples. You will discover objects, works and documents related to nature, technology and culture – fossils millions of years old, micro-fungi, large-format sculptures, photographs of research expeditions from around the world and much more – a veritable paradise of scientific artefacts!
Who is responsible for the collections and archives?
More than twenty specialised institutions are responsible for maintaining and indexing the comprehensive collection and archive holdings. Objects, works and documents are indexed, cross-linked, preserved, communicated and researched. The aim is to make all these scientific treasures visible and accessible for research and teaching, but also for the interested public. In the spirit of open science, the holdings are available in analogue form as well as in continuously expanding online resources.
Discover and learn new things
In addition to the contents of the individual collection sections, you will also find answers to questions concerning methodology:
- How is an object added to the collection?
- What does a curator do?
- What does preservation of holdings entail?
- What tools, materials and technologies are used?
Embark on your own individual voyage of discovery through the collections and archives of ETH Zurich and experience this unique cosmos of knowledge.
Further information
Would you like to find out more? For further information and current news, visit the website of the collections and archives of ETH Zurich.