Science Gallery Monterrey opens its doors at Tecnológico de Monterrey envisioning hopeful futures

Science Gallery Monterrey, the first Latin American member of the Science Gallery Network, has inaugurated its permanent space at Tecnológico de Monterrey with the groundbreaking exhibition, BRAVE NEW FUTURE

A visitor interacts with one of the installations of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, Science Gallery Monterrey at Tecnológico de Monterrey (2024)

Science Gallery Monterrey is set to become a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration at Tecnológico de Monterrey. As part of its Arts and Cultures initiative, it brings together art, science, and technology through exhibitions, events, and learning experiences. The dynamic space invites students, artists, faculty, and the local community to spark meaningful conversations and tackle society’s urgent challenges.

This milestone marks a transformative expansion of the Science Gallery Network's international ecosystem. With its first location in Latin America, the Network highlights the strength of its unique model and expertise in fostering critical thinking, sparking creativity, and empowering young people at the bold intersection of art and science. Its diverse and globally connected university members create a singular platform, opening doors to unique collaborative opportunities for transdisciplinary research, learning initiatives, and public engagement activities.

Science Gallery Monterey, at the heart of TEC’s new Innovation District, will be a strong creative catalyst for the city
— Sarah Durcan, Executive Director of Science Gallery International

Juan Pablo Murra, Rector of Tecnológico de Monterrey, during the opening of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, Science Gallery Monterrey at Tecnológico de Monterrey (2024)

Sarah Durcan, Executive Director of Science Gallery International, reflected, ‘Science Gallery Monterey, at the heart of TEC’s new Expedition building and innovation district, will inspire conversations with young people. I’ve no doubt it will be a strong creative catalyst for the city.  We warmly welcome this addition to the Science Gallery Network, and congratulate Tecnologico de Monterrey on its opening.’

The inaugural exhibition, BRAVE NEW FUTURE, sets the stage for this exciting new chapter. Featuring works by international and national artists, alongside collaborations between local artists, and Tecnológico de Monterrey students​​, and researchers, the exhibition sparks dialogue around t how we can collectively envision and build a brighter tomorrow. Visitors can experience participatory installations, speculative objects, video games, and kinetic and sound sculptures.

Opening of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, Science Gallery Monterrey at Tecnológico de Monterrey (2024)

Exemplifying the Science Gallery Network’s collaborative ethos, several works were developed as Science Gallery commissions. Highlights include SKU Market by artist Laura Allcorn and Trinity College Dublin researcher Jennifer Edmond, a participatory installation providing a satirical critique of algorithmic biases. Another standout is CORALS by Marco Barotti, developed during a Science Gallery residency in collaboration with AI researchers. The kinetic sound sculpture draws attention to the fragility of coral ecosystems and emphasises our responsibility for environmental preservation.

Science Gallery Monterrey mediators during the opening of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, Science Gallery Monterrey at Tecnológico de Monterrey (2024)

The opening event included a dynamic panel discussion with exhibiting artists Roel Heremans, Gilberto Esparza, Jessica Charlesworth, Tim Parsons, Miguel Herrera, and Lulu Nava (La Lucha Libre Collective). The discussion, moderated by Miguel González Virgen, Director of Science Gallery Monterrey, was enriched by insights from Sarah Durcan, Executive Director of Science Gallery International; Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery Melbourne; and María Antonia González Valerio, Director of Art+Science at UNAM.

Sarah Durcan, Executive Director of Science Gallery International, during the opening of BRAVE NEW FUTURE, Science Gallery Monterrey at Tecnológico de Monterrey (2024)

In tandem with BRAVE NEW FUTURE, the launch also served as a prelude to the official unveiling of the Expedition building, part of Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Innovation District. This cutting-edge facility houses Science Gallery Monterrey’s permanent headquarters and serves as a hub for research laboratories dedicated to exploring new ways of thinking about our world.