Urgent times. Emergent futures.

EMERGENCE[Y] brings together artists, scientists, and collaborators from around the globe to explore how we adapt to a world in flux. In an age marked by ecological collapse, technological acceleration, and social upheaval, adaptation becomes not only a biological imperative but a creative and ethical act. How might we not only survive through change but emerge in a critically reimagined future?

Spanning from the cellular to the planetary, EMERGENCE[Y] explores how adaptation unfolds in every layer of life – from the regenerative promise of stem cells to the movement of Martian winds. Engage with the interconnected crises and possibilities of our time through regenerative coral soundscapes, resilient fungal fashion, First Nations knowledge of the Birrarung and a vertical city farm.

Conceived as a living, adaptive ecosystem this exhibition is both a warning and an invitation - to grow, to listen, to reconfigure, and to act.

FREE ADMISSION
Opening 6 June 2026

  • Tilly Boleyn, Melinda Brook, Jeanette Chan, Bern Hall, Shirley Liu, Qian Mo Cui, Cass Norland

  • Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher, Professor Todd Lane, Professor Megan Munsie, Professor Jacqueline Peel, Angharad Wynne-Jones

  • Studio Peter King, io Design Company

  • Andrew Goddard, Floreancig Smith, Flys Alone Painting, Get Rigged, Image Box, Modular Components & Automation, Paul Masson, RMG, Studio Tops, Synthesis Design & Build, Theatre Safe Australia

  • Tilly Boleyn, Ian Bunyi, Charlie Christie, Jack Farley, Bern Hall, Hannah Miller, Meg Taylor.

    Science Gallery Melbourne is part of the Museums and Collections Department at the University of Melbourne. This exhibition is only possible as a result of the brains, spark, good humour and excellent work of this team of human delights. 

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MEDIA RELEASE
EMERGENCE[Y] broadcast: Exhibition coming soon
EMERGENCE[Y] broadcast: Exhibition coming soon

In an age marked by ecological collapse, technological acceleration and social upheaval, our next exhibition EMERGENCE[Y] explores how we adapt to a world in flux.

EVENTS
Guided tours
Jun 27
Guided tours

Seeking a guided experience? Join one of our Mediators on a guided tour of EMERGENCE[Y] exhibition highlights.