The desire to bring humans closer to nature through insects lies at the heart of the citizen participation initiative Imagining the future of the Insectarium. Alongside the construction of the new museum, this initiative ensured that all activities of the revamped Insectarium focus on entomophilia—the love and respect for insects!
A participatory, unique, and authentic approach
Some 70 people from a variety of backgrounds were invited to openly discuss the recognition of insects’ contribution to the planet’s overall well-being. These virtual co-creation workshops drew on the experience and expertise of employees and other stakeholders. They served to inspire, imagine, and build a shared vision that has guided the museum’s ideas and projects for years to come, extending far beyond its walls.
Valuable learnings
Through small group explorations, plenary sessions, and moments of solo reflection and integration, participants in the four Imagining the future of the Insectarium workshops highlighted numerous valuable insights, guided by Joanna Macy’s “Work that reconnects” spiral approach. These workshops led to the emergence of a new positioning for the Insectarium, expressed through four main axes:
1. Influencing decision-making
2. Inspiring creation
3. Embracing diversity
4. Connecting with the living
To learn more, consult the final report of the Imagining the future of the Insectarium workshops (in French).
Valuing insects differently
The current programming of the Insectarium is the tangible result of the Imagining the future of the Insectarium process, which took place between 2020 and 2022. The variety of actions supporting entomophilia—understood as a love for insects—stems from this initiative.
Ways to celebrate insects through various art forms (music, dance) and engage new audiences (such as a musical performance at Piknic Électronik) are just some of the concrete outcomes. These activities, deployed both within the museum and beyond, align with the participants’ aspiration: to improve the world by fostering a more entomophilous society.