450 screws later, we finally launched “ARACHNIDA – The Hidden Charm of Spiders and Scorpions”, hosted at Città della Scienza in Naples, Italy.
This exhibition, open until January 11th, 2026, invites visitors to explore the vast and fascinating world of arachnids — with a special focus on spiders and scorpions — through science, art, and culture.
The journey begins with a captivating display of living specimens housed in naturalistic terrariums, then expands to cover every facet of arachnid life, including the technological innovations inspired by their biology and the biomimetic applications they have sparked.
Art, of course, could not be absent. Among the exhibition’s highlights is a pitch-dark room where visitors can admire the mesmerizing beauty of spider webs. Each web is unique in shape, structure, and purpose.
Setting up this exhibition took months of planning and weeks of meticulous work. I personally painted around 450 screws black, determined to eliminate even the tiniest light reflection that could disturb the atmosphere.
To me, this is what real research impact looks like: when science becomes part of the cultural fabric of society.
Although this was one of the most demanding experiences of my life (covering 400 square meters of exhibition space is no small feat!), it reminded me once again of a few essential truths: be bold and crazy, love what you do, and surround yourself with people who share your enthusiasm.
Long live Aracnofilia – Italian Society of Arachnology!
This is a great excuse to visit Naples!
Link with more details: https://lnkd.in/dMjaNnzx
