Explore the "Terror en el laboratorio" Exhibition: Science Fiction Origins from Frankenstein to Moreau

This exhibition celebrates the 200th anniversary of a famous literary gathering, tracing the origins of science fiction themes like robotics, genetics, and artificial intelligence. It explores the Faustian figure of the scientist and the lasting impact of foundational works.

Commemorating the 200th anniversary of a famous literary evening where ideas for novels like Frankenstein were born, this exhibition delves into the enduring themes of science fiction that remain relevant today. It examines concepts such as robotics, genetics, and artificial intelligence, tracing their roots to the archetypal figure of the "mad scientist" playing God, a trope immortalized by authors like Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, H.G. Wells, E.T.A. Hoffmann, and Villiers de l’Isle Adam. The exhibition is structured around three key literary themes: the monster, represented by Shelley's Frankenstein and Wells's The Island of Doctor Moreau; the double, explored through Stevenson's The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Wells's The Invisible Man; and the automaton, inspired by Hoffmann's The Sandman and Villiers de l’Isle-Adam's The Future Eve. Curated by Miguel A. Delgado and María Santoyo, the exhibition investigates the real-world scientific and cultural antecedents behind these seminal literary works. It also examines the iconographic evolution of monsters and mad scientists in popular culture, pulp, and underground art since the 1960s. Featuring original pieces from the Filmoteca Española, Museos Complutenses, and private collections, the exhibition offers a panoramic view of the great themes of the 19th century and their continued resonance in contemporary scientific and cultural discourse.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:00 to 20:00. Information on adding the event to your calendar is available.