EXHIBITION

Mars: The Red Mirror

Mars: The Red Mirror explores our connection to the planet Mars, synthesising 12,000 years of culture, art, history and science, from ancient times to the present day.

Capturing our imagination like no other planet, Mars has fascinated humanity for millennia. Mars: The Red Mirror takes visitors on an expedition through history and across cultures to learn how our neighbouring planet has been seen as the god of war, a god of agriculture, an ancestral symbol for masculinity and a muse for science fiction. It features over 300 objects, including rare scientific manuscripts, historical artefacts, an authentic Martian meteorite, films and contemporary art.

First shown in Barcelona in 2021, this new version of Mars: The Red Mirror turns its lens to Asia. It traces Mars' ancient imprints in China, India, and Japan, and celebrates the legacy of pioneering Asian astronomers. It provides a glimpse into Mars' portrayal in Southeast Asian pop culture, and also features work from Singapore's Space Faculty, who champion space technology's transformative potential in Asia.

Mars: The Red Mirror is curated by Juan Insua, and presented by ArtScience Museum and the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB).

Explore the Exhibition

Luke Jerram, Mars, 2021. Image courtesy of the artist.

Mixed Media Installation.
Installation view of Mars: The Red Mirror at Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), 2021. Image courtesy of CCCB.
Installation view of Mars: The Red Mirror at Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), 2021. Image courtesy of CCCB.
Installation view of Mars: The Red Mirror at Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), 2021. Image courtesy of CCCB.
Michael Najjar, starbase, 2022. Image courtesy of the artist. © Michael Najjar.

Triptych Installation.
Nero Cosmos, Marsonauts, 2023. Image courtesy of the artist.

Digital display of NFTs and lightbox installation.

Related Activities

Guided Tours
In-Gallery Quest
Drop-In Session

Every Tuesday, 4pm starting from 28 Nov 2023

Basement 2, Exhibition Galleries

Explore the fascinating world of Mars – our closest planetary neighbour in the solar system and a prospective home for humanity. Alongside our Education Specialists, discover the cultural influences and science of the Red Planet, from ancient tales to present space missions.

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Mars Quest for Kids

4 Dec 2023 – 7 Apr 2024

Basement 2, Exhibition Galleries

Complimentary to Mars: The Red Mirror ticket holders.
Recommended for kids 7 years old and above.

Embark on a quest into Mars: The Red Mirror to discover the wonders of the Red Planet!

Explore ancient sculptures and paintings that depict Mars, and learn about key figures, space missions, and the planet itself through fun facts, games, and quizzes.

Scan the QR code at the entrance of the exhibition to launch the quest!
Create Your Own Martian Animation

Weekdays on Dec, Jan and Feb

Basement 2, Circulation Space

Drop-in is complimentary.

Moving to Mars is an adventure to tell! How would you bring this story to life? In this drop-in, make your own flipbook and animate your story of travelling to Mars.

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Exhibition Curator

Juan Insua is the former Director of the CCCB Lab, where he led different projects. Having been involved with the CCCB since 1993, he conceived and curated the series of exhibitions Cities and Writers: James Joyce’s Dublin (1995, FAD Prize in the “Ephemeral Spaces” category); The Lisbons of Pessoa (1997, Laus’ 98 Prize for the best three-dimensional communication); The City of K. Franz Kafka and Prague (1999) and Borges and Buenos Aires (2002, City of Barcelona Prize, 2003). He also created and directed the season of installations, Leading Lights of the 20th century. Since 2002 he has been the Director of the Kosmopolis International Literature Fest.See more

In 2005 he was appointed Head of the CCCB’s Cultural Activities Department, a period in which he created projects for reflection and debate on current issues that experimented with different formats: BCNmp7; NOW: Encounters in the Present Continuous; I+C+i: Research and innovation in the cultural sphere; and NANO (the CCCB’s programme for families). In 2008, he received the FAD Medal, awarded each year by Foment de les Arts i del Disseny (FAD) to people or institutions that have made contributions to the social and cultural life of the country. His most recent exhibition was Mars. The Red Mirror (2021), which will soon open at ArtScience Museum Singapore. He is currently working on a project about the power of wonder.

Our Partners

Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)

The original version of Mars: The Red Mirror was developed and first exhibited at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) in Spain.See more

CCCB is a multidisciplinary cultural centre that deals with the key challenges of contemporary society through different languages and formats, with an extensive programme that includes major thematic exhibitions, series of conferences and literary meetups, film screenings and festivals.

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Offers

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