We drink it, bathe in it, experience it as rain, snow or ice. Water is omnipresent and contradictory: sometimes too much, sometimes too little; sometimes it flows, sometimes it is missing; sometimes it floods entire regions and threatens us. In the wake of climate change, growing cities and global inequality, water is becoming a challenge. With the exhibition "On Water. Water Knowledge in Berlin", the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) will be showing research projects from the Berlin university consortium that deal with water from different perspectives in the Humboldt Labor at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) from 10 October. More than fifty scientists and six artists have explored the element - from water reservoirs in the Himalayas to puddle research and river rights for the Spree.
"OnWater. WaterKnowledge" is the first in a four-part series of exhibitions at the Humboldt Labor that focuses on the elements of life - water, earth, fire and air. For the opening weekend from 10 to 12 October, all Berliners and guests of the city are invited to a diverse programme of lectures, discussions, performances, hands-on activities and guided tours. The exhibition is aimed at adults, children and families. Admission is free.
Information for media representatives
A press tour of the exhibition will take place on 9 October 2025 from 11:00 - 12:00. If you are interested, please register in advance at: pr☞ Please insert an @ at this point ☜hu-berlin☞ Please insert a period at this pointde
The Humboldt Laboratory
The Humboldt Labor of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in the Humboldt Forum is a lively place of knowledge and science. Located at the Centre for Cultural Technology (ZfK), Humboldt-Universität's Central Institute for the Exchange of Knowledge with Society, the Humboldt Laboratory sees itself as a workshop for ideas, a place for mediation, dialogue, research and teaching. In changing exhibitions and a varied programme of events, the Humboldt Labor gives the public an insight into the diversity and relevance of science. Further information can be found at the website of Humboldt Labor.
The Berlin University Alliance
The Berlin University Alliance - the alliance of excellence between Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin - is positioning Berlin as one of the world's leading centres of knowledge and innovation, with integrated collaboration across disciplines and social sectors. The Berlin University Alliance is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the State of Berlin as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German federal and state governments.