PROFILE
Institut for the Re:generation gallery, the robot recognises facial expressions and mimics these movements and emotions. “Another innovative offer is the Robotic Theatre,” says Firmhofer. “It’s probably the fi rst of its kind in the world. Three robots, produced by a British group called Engineered Arts, perform on stage and interact with a cartoon projection. This is a very popular part of our exhibition.” The eagerly-awaited digital, 3D planetar- ium is also set to prove popular. Opening in June and called Heavens of Copernicus, it will be set within a 16m (52ft) domed the- atre, encased in a striking boulder-shaped building. Shows will either be presented using a classic optical projection, where stars and planets are projected onto the dome, or using a digital system created by Sky-Skan, who also designed the studio and produced the show (see p26). The shows will cover astronomy, cosmol-
ogy (the history of the universe and life in the universe), evolution (showing Darwin’s trip on the Beagle and his development of the theory of evolution and natural selection) plus cartoons for children. “We also plan to present musical shows in the evening to attract young people,” says Firmhofer. “We’ll include a little astronomi- cal background, just a presentation of the stars, in the hope of inspiring them.”
MASS APPEAL Firmhofer and Turski’s aim was always to make Copernicus a place for everyone. Consequently, the interactives range from pre-school to complex exhibits that are
24
Copernicus’ rooftop garden features the kinds of vegetation that would have been there before Warsaw was built and is an open communal space, free for all to use
too complicated for children. The plan’s worked as more than 20 per cent of visitors are adults and seniors without children. Firmhofer is aware that the Polish public is quite unique in its interest in science. “I’ve been told by European colleagues that the phenomenal success and engagement of the adult public at the science picnic wouldn’t have been possible in London or Berlin or Paris,” he says. “Perhaps it’s because the Polish society struggled for so long for modernisation. Now it’s very will- ing to learn and move forward.” While the huge popularity of Copernicus
is very welcome, it has posed a slight prob- lem with group bookings far exceeding the number anticipated. To cope with demand, the science centre is loaning travelling exhibitions to schools, training teachers to educate their pupils and encourag- ing people to visit local science centres close to where they live. “There’s a grow- ing family of science centres in Poland,” explains Firmhofer. “We meet every year to exchange best practise and programmes. We know each other very well now and are achieving mutual goals much better together than separately.”
ECSITE Firmhofer’s enthusiasm for working with others in the industry makes Copernicus the perfect host for Ecsite, the annual event for the European network of sci-
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ABOUT ROBERT FIRMHOFER
Hobbies: Travelling off the beaten track, science communication, political philosophy, reading contemporary fi ction and jazz music Favourite food: Mussels, sushi and Italian cuisine Favourite fi lm: Blowup by Michelangelo Antonioni, Apocalypse Now by Francis Ford Coppola and almost every Woody Allen movie What drives you: Challenges. I’m more than ready to face them Describe yourself: I’m an active person enjoying my professional and private life How would others describe you: I wouldn’t dare to guess Best advice you’ve ever received: Find time to sit back and think things over again. I keep doing it
ence centres and museums, which visits Warsaw in May. “Hosting a convention for up to 1,000 visitors is a big challenge, especially when the delegates are experts in the fi eld,” says Firmhofer. “But it’s a fan- tastic opportunity to promote Copernicus as a reliable partner in creating exhibitions and taking part in international projects. “Because of the location, it also provides a good platform for Europeans to meet. It’s the furthest east of the Ecsite conferences so far and we’re working hard to receive guests from Eastern European coun- tries, such as Russia, Serbia, the Czech Republic and the Baltics. There are a grow-
AM 2 2011 ©cybertrek 2011
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