Micropia, Science museum in Plantage district, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Micropia is a science museum in Amsterdam's Plantage district that displays living microorganisms under powerful microscopes while exploring their diversity. Visitors can use interactive displays to observe microbes and examine their structures in detail.
The museum opened in 2014 as the world's first institution dedicated to displaying living microorganisms to the public. This marked a new approach to making microbial science accessible beyond laboratory settings.
The space shows how microorganisms are part of everyday life and the ways they shape what we eat, how our bodies work, and the world around us. Visitors notice displays that reveal where microbes are found in food, water, and human health.
The visit works best if you move slowly through the exhibits and allow time for each display, as there is much to observe and explore. Comfortable shoes are recommended since you will walk between different areas and stand at microscopes for extended periods.
One unusual experiment here is the Kiss-O-Meter, a playful device that shows how many bacteria two people exchange when kissing. This interactive element connects science with everyday human experience in a surprisingly fun way.
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