From antiquity to the present day, the new special exhibition at the MUKS delves into the cultural history of hygiene and dirt, humorously showing that cleanliness is always a matter of time and perspective. Few things occupy our daily lives as unconsciously yet intensely as the boundary between clean and dirty. What was considered healthy yesterday is unhygienic today. What is impeccable for some makes others run for the hills. People’s sense of disgust and need for cleanliness are constantly changing.
From eras of pristine cleanliness to periods of extreme filth, the cultural history of hygiene, dirt, and disgust reveals one thing above all: a great deal about ourselves. What is important to people today when it comes to personal hygiene? Were there times when water was completely taboo? How did past generations deal with their waste? When and how did the state intervene in matters of hygiene? Who makes a mess, and who cleans it up? And why are children so fascinated by poop, farts, and the like? The exhibition examines these aspects, as well as contemporary issues such as fast fashion, microplastics, and our daily water consumption.
Visitors young and old experience how upbringing, habit, affluence, and scientific progress shape our perception of purity and impurity. At the same time, they are invited to explore and question their own "dirty ideas." This can be done alone or in close proximity to others in the chat pool, by emptying their pockets, or by leaving behind dirty words. And those who need a break from all the filth can relax with audio reports and books on the large, comfortable exhibition space.
The exhibition is complemented by a diverse program of events. This includes visits to "dirty" places in the region, cleanup days, washing and bathing days in the museum courtyard, as well as various workshops and guided tours on the topic. A school program aligned with Curriculum 21 accompanies the exhibition.

Website
muks.ch/de/dreck

Where
MUKS Museum Kultur & Spiel Riehen
Baselstrasse 34
4125 Riehen

Share

Advertisement