Experimenta - Arts Sciences Biennale

12th Edition — Water and Imprint

For its 12th edition, Experimenta highlighted water. To mark the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Hydroelectric Power, and in response to the major tensions caused by the scarcity of this precious element, the biennale explored our relationship with water in all its forms. Echoing Newton's fundamental principle of reciprocal action, the edition also questioned the notion of imprint: that of the individual or collective on the environment, that of the environment on the individual or collective.

L'Hexagone partnered with over thirty partners — performance venues, museums, research centers, local authorities — to deploy an ambitious program across the entire Grenoble metropolitan area, the Grésivaudan territory, and Voironnais.

Performances

17 performances were presented from February 4 to 21 in partnership with about twenty venues in the Grenoble area. Performances, theatrical creations, choreographic works, and hybrid forms explored the intersections between artistic creation and scientific research.

Exhibitions

18 artworks were exhibited from February 8 to March 1 in four emblematic locations with free admission: the summit of the Bastille in Grenoble, the Musée de Grenoble, the Musée dauphinois in Grenoble, and the Espace Vallès in Saint-Martin-d'Hères.

Monumental Installation

The monumental and performative installation "Pléonexie" took over the Grand Marché des Alpes (MIN of Grenoble) on February 8 and 9, with free access. This immersive artwork offered a unique sensory experience questioning our relationship with the overconsumption of natural resources.

Professional Events

An inter-network professional day was held on February 7 at the auditorium of the Musée de Grenoble, and a round table titled "How does the arts-science project Submersion illuminate the issue of rising waters?" took place on February 10 at Grenoble INP – Ense³ (Université Grenoble Alpes).

Program for the 12th Edition

Performances (February 4-21, 2025)

17 performances presented in partnership with venues in the Grenoble area, blending performing arts, digital technologies, and scientific inquiries.

Exhibitions (February 8 – March 1, 2025)

• La Bastille — Lesdiguières and Dutrievoz rooms: open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6 PM
• Musée de Grenoble — Open daily except Tuesday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• Musée dauphinois — Open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM (closed Tuesdays)
• Espace Vallès (Saint-Martin-d'Hères) — Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 2 PM to 7 PM; Wednesdays from 10 AM to 7 PM; Saturdays from 2 PM to 6 PM

Monumental Installation (February 8-9, 2025)

"Pléonexie" — Grand Marché des Alpes (MIN), 117-127 rue des Alliés, Grenoble. Free admission.

Immersive Installation

"Gravity" by Yann Nguema — Archives départementales de l'Isère, from February 4 to 14, 2025.

Professional Day (February 7, 2025)

Auditorium of the Musée de Grenoble — Registration required.

Round Table (February 10, 2025)

Grenoble INP – Ense³, Université Grenoble Alpes.

Highlights of the 2025 Edition

• Theme: water and imprint, in homage to the centenary of the International Exhibition of Hydroelectric Power (1925)
• 17 performances in 20 partner venues in the metropolitan area
• 18 artworks exhibited in 4 emblematic locations with free admission
• "Pléonexie": monumental and performative installation at the Grand Marché des Alpes
• "Gravity" by Yann Nguema: immersive installation at the Departmental Archives
• Over 30 partners mobilized across the Grenoble metropolitan area, Grésivaudan, and Voironnais
• Inter-network professional day at the Musée de Grenoble