focusTerra - ETH Zürich

Why does the ground tremble? How does a crystal grow? What do lake sediments and fossils tell us about climate and environment?

focusTerra, the Earth & Science Discovery Center of ETH Zurich, shows that geology comprises much more than just rocks. Embedded in a research institute, the exhibition builds a bridge between science and the public. The exhibition tower reflects a journey through Earth and illustrates to visitors the geological processes from Earth's interior to the surface. At the same time, focusTerra provides insights into current research and deals with socially relevant topics such as natural disasters, the scarcity of resources or the determination of locations for the storage of radioactive waste.

The permanent exhibition, which also includes an earthquake simulator and the most beautiful minerals and fossils from the Earth Science Collections of ETH Zurich, is regularly supplemented by special exhibitions.

This museum greets you in the following languages: D/E
Opening 2009

Current exhibitions

Waves – Dive in!

24.08.2021 - 05.03.2023

Constantly and everywhere, we are surrounded by waves – even if we can only perceive some of them: water waves, sound waves, earthquake waves, light. However, waves are not only omnipresent in our lives, but are used for a wide variety of applications.

With large-format, colourful illustrations and many hands-on exhibits, the new exhibition of focusTerra invites you to playfully discover the relevance, beauty and power of waves with all your senses.

The exhibition is documented in the following languages: D/E
Guided tours are offered in the following languages: D
Die Inhalte der Ausstellung sind online zugänglich und in einem Bildband auf Deutsch und Englisch erhältlich.