Gutta cavat lapidem. Nature, history and culture of the caves of Bologna

The exhibition Gutta cavat lapidem is about how the constancy of water manages to shape the terrestrial surface, excavating deep down into spaces that can reach quite unimaginable dimensions. It is also, in a figurative sense, about the tireless work carried out by cavers and speleologists to reveal, one little piece at a time, the immensity of the subterranean world. The exhibition is accessible to people with visual impairments.

This journey through caves and through speleology will have, for the most part, a local perspective, focusing on the karst phenomena of the Gessi Bolognesi and the natural cavities of the area around the city of Bologna. The panels, which feature both text and images, are complemented by an exhibition set-up that leads the visitor into what is an immersive installation one that engages all of the senses and makes the most of everything that digital technologies have to offer.

The aim is to involve the visitor in an experience that affords an understanding of the perspective of speleologists as they observe, explore and traverse spaces excavated by water. Becoming a caver, even if only for a few minutes, allows the visitor to get some idea of the complex relationship between mankind and the natural environment.