SENSORIUM at the Rüttihubelbad

AROUND SWITZERLAND
 

Here is a great idea for a rainy day (or a bright day as well) something new, an experience you won't forget! The Sensorium, which just opened in January 2004, is truly worth a visit and, believe me, you will want to go back!

What is the Sensorium and what makes it unique? This is more than a museum: very interactive, you ecan touch and experiment with everything there. But what is it about? I met with the Sensorium 's Director, Reto Störi, who was very enthusiastic about giving me an interview and providing generous amounts of historical background about this initiative. After our talk Mr. Störi's colleaguegave us a guided tour (which I highly recommend).

Here is my summary:

Once upon a time Man knew how to fully exploit and rely on his five senses. But have we forgotten how to recognise and trust our daily sensory experiences? Hugo Kukelhaus, renowned Philosopher (1900-1984), did much analysis on the subject and concluded that our five senses are out of balance. Our hearing and sight are 'overloaded' in our everyday lives, while we stopped trusting the senses of smell, touch and taste. A good example of this is how we look at the expiry date on a yoghurt in order to make our decision to eat or discard it. He then started developing 'experimenting stations' where people like you and I could rediscover / re-experiment with our 'neglected' senses. In 1967 he had his first exhibition in Montreal, Canada (Expo '67). This was a great success and many more followed all over the world.
These 'experimenting stations' are here at the Sensorium! Walk along the sensory circuit, barefoot and blindfolded; experiment with the transfer of energy, weight, vibrations; test your recognition of smells and of objects by using only touch; go through a completely dark path, as if you were blind; experiment with light and colour and the strange feelings they can gen¬erate, etc.
This is interesting and great fun for people of all ages, and although kids over four or five will get more out of the experiences, little ones are very welcome and will get a kick out of it as well.

Now, more technical details:
Plenty of free parking;
Small cafeteria with snacks and beverages, restaurant
Large cheery picnic area right next to the action (inside and outside - bring a picnic);
Guided tours available upon request;

The friendly staff will be happy to help you with group events and party requirements;
Prices: adults CHF 17.-, children 6-16 years CHF 9.-

(family and group prices also available);

Open: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00 to 17:30
 

Address: Stiftung Rüttihubelbad, 3512 Walkringen. 15 minutes from Bern: exit 'Worb'. Once in Worb, follow white signs to Rüttihubelbad.

Contact info: tel. 031 700 85 85, fax 031 700 8191,
e-mail sensorium@ruettihubelbad.ch

Text thanks to Stephane Chartrand (New Stork Times 2004)