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Being a spider – Virtual Realities as spaces for learning and experience

How does a spider perceive its world? The project ‘Being a Spider’ enables a change of perspective through a sensory-enhanced virtual reality experience. As a four-spotted spider, visitors go hunting for insects at night. They detect them with the help of highly sensitive sensory hairs that perceive air currents and slit-like sensory organs that register the slightest vibrations. Their sense of orientation is also challenged, as VR users can move in all directions on a branch and walk upside down. The difference in size is consciously perceived when the tree bark opens up as a new landscape experience with all its inhabitants.

Using the VR installation, the interdisciplinary research team aims to investigate whether people’s attitudes towards arachnids can be changed for the better – and to what extent a multisensory VR experience can raise awareness of biodiversity and species conservation. The goal is to use impact research to gain new insights into raising awareness of species conservation and dealing with the biodiversity crisis.

The virtual reality installation will be on display at the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich from 29 August 2025 to 1 February 2026. It is part of the research and communication project ‘Museum of the Future – 17 digitale Experimente’.

A presentation of the VR installation is planned in several Swiss natural history museums from 2027. Appearances at events, festivals, conferences and trade fairs are also planned. 