Can transparent objects cast shadows? Why does a spoon seem distorted in water? Can we ever see infinitely far? And can light itself be bent?
Does Light Matter? is a new interactive exhibition that explores the relationship between light and matter, presented by The Clore Garden of Science at the Davidson Institute– the educational arm of the Weizmann Institute of Science.
The journey through the exhibition begins with observation. Light and matter are in constant interaction, shaping the way we experience and understand the world. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are invited to experiment, ask questions, and explore those familiar interactions in a new light. Shadows, reflections, and other everyday effects are rediscovered through each artistic installation, scientific demonstration, and multisensory experience.
The exhibition brings together a range of experiences, from guiding a laser beam through a maze and creating works of art in the Shadow Lab, to disappearing into a video installation, discovering the world’s darkest shade of black, and uncovering what a cylindrical mirror reveals.
Does Light Matter? creates a shared space for exploration and conversation. Families are encouraged to explore the relationship between light and matter firsthand: to touch, move, shine, hide, and most of all, observe. Each interaction uncovers not only the results of these actions, but also the questions they inspire. Rather than offering fixed answers, the exhibition invites visitors to let observation, curiosity, and imagination guide their experience– and reminds us that asking questions is as meaningful as finding answers.
Opening on May 21, 2026, Does Light Matter? invites families with children aged 4–12 to explore the fascinating relationship between light and matter through hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and discovery.
Photo by Shlomi mizrahi
Credits:
Curator: Niv Nudelman
Head of Museum Content: Yahel Atsmon
Lead Designer: Ohad Kabri
Artists: Dafi Reis-Doron, Studio Knob, Olga Stadnuk, Yuval Ayali
Exhibition Design, Development & Production: Tucan Studio
Graphic Design: Idan Vaaknin
Exhibit Development: Yahel Atsmon, Ohad Kabri, Yuval Ayali, Avi Banai
Writing and Scientific Consulting: Renana Vogel, Anat Szpiro
Workshop Manager: Shay Mesilati
Construction: Michael Amar, Daniel Livni, Eyal Yahav, Ofir Gadasi
Operations Manager: Eran Shamit
IT: Alon Abramovich, Ilan Rahav
Editor: Nufar Kedar
Arabic Translation: Salah Ali Souad
English Translation: Mika Efroni
Acknowledgments: Dr. Yossi Shvartzvald, Dr. David Polishook, Dr. Ziv Meir, Acter Ltd., Tali Tokeras-Melamed, Meirav Bass, Orly Cohen, Yamit Shkalim, Shmulik Loutaty, Barak Cohen
