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Sprookjes voor Dromers
Discover the beauty of fairy tales.
Master storyteller Bastiaan de Zwitser brings the most beautiful fairy tales to life in a traditional way, with just words and gestures. These stories full of fun and color invite you to journey into your own imagination. Every performance tells a different story.
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Hortus botanicus
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Performances: 7:10 PM / 8:15 PM / 8:40 PM / 9:45 PM
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Science Rocks
Discover what sound looks like, and what science sounds like.
The Stream's brand new music program Science Rocks shows you what sound looks like, and you hear what science sounds like. Time and again, a surprising connection is made between music and science with some impressive installations. The sharp notes of the theremin are made visible by making flames dance. And the enchanting pendulum movement achieves a heavenly harmony in their self-built Pendulum Wave installation.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Why men are better than women
Healthcare is in dire straits. Just like the pants of more than half of the Dutch. Although we live longer, we live more years in an unhealthy condition. We are too heavy, too unhappy and too chronically ill. To discuss this explosive topic with some humor, we are creating a competition: 'who will die first?'. Spoiler alert: men are better than women.
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Academy Building
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9:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Escape room: African language puzzles in the studio
Famous fashion designer Mr. Fexeni is in danger of being late for the opening of a fashion show due to sabotage. Solve the African language puzzles and help Mr. Fexeni get his showpiece, a garment he had been working on for months, onto the catwalk in time!
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Geurbeleving
Discover the role of scent in nature.
Why do flowers often smell so wonderful? And some other plants are very horrible? Come smell it, see it and discover it in the Old Observatory. Using, among other things, the Amorphophallus, or penis plant, you will discover the different functions of scent.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Pendulum Wave
Discover the beauty of physics.
A Pendulum Wave is a visualization of the beauty of physics, a moving work of art. The first model was designed and constructed in the 19th century by philosopher and physicist Ernst Mach. Leiden musician and physicist Jan Stroomer decided to build his own Pendulum Wave installation of no less than two meters high for his composition about the pendulum movement. With 15 illuminated streamers, it is an enchanting spectacle in the night darkness.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Ontdek de historie van Leidse Sterrenkunde
Take a tour to a historic telescope and be inspired by an astronomy student about the universe. Learn more about the telescopes, the history of the building and research in Leiden then and now.
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Old Observatory
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Rounds: 7:30 PM / 8:15 PM / 9:00 PM / 10:15 PM / 11:00 PM
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Fragments of Consciousness
How do we perceive the world? Do others share our experiences? Fragments of Consciousness is a poetic exploration of the mysteries of the mind. With a series of connected poem-objects, van Wijk invites viewers to contemplate the fragility of identity, altered states of perception, and the interconnectedness of all sentient beings.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
Natuurkunde in Beeld
Discover the wonderful world of physics in Leiden.
In his lecture, Bas Hensen takes you into the fascinating world of modern physics. He explains the Physics in the picture exhibition about liquid crystals, double refraction and spheroids that can imitate real tumors.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
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Ouderdomsproef:
Draag een Aging Suit
Do you want an unforgettable experience that will change your perspective on growing older? Experience the world of aging with our Aging Suits! These innovative suits simulate the limitations that come with aging, such as limited mobility and poorer vision. During our interactive session you will navigate through realistic scenarios and discover the daily challenges of the elderly
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
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Alternative future images
Discover possible futures during 3 lectures by the Future of Technology Foundation.
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Hortus botanicus
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Lecture 1: Discover the future of labor [Anna-Carolina Zuiderduin]
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Lecture 2: Discover future scenarios for post-growth [Peter van der Putten]
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Lecture 3: Discover the future through participation [Emiel Rijshouwer]
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The Transmission of Anthony: The Green Chapel
Discover the beauty of fairy tales.
Sam and Marco's work, which deals with climate change and colonial legacies, is the latest incarnation of an ongoing project called The Transmission of Anthony. During the exhibition, films, performances, sculptures and sound works will be shown at varying locations in the greenhouse complex.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
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Frustration Disembodied
Discover the backend of frustration.
\nCoding is not an easy task. Knowledge, skills, full stack acquisition – all mediated by keyboards and text editors. A script does exactly what it is meant to execute. A keystroke is a keystroke: cursed be any understatement. Tonight, we give our beloved machine a taste of its own medicine and we enjoy the show.
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PJ Veth
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Continuous
Resurrection
Discover infinite poetic expression.
Resurrection is:
_an etude for an infinite poem
_a stream of generative couplets trained on one of my poems relying on the poetic technique of anaphora, often used in litany for religious purposes
_a supplication for something more than mortality
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PJ Veth
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Continuous
Physics in the Picture
You might know Einstein’s general relativity or quantum mechanics. But have you heard of liquid crystals, birefringence or spheroids that mimic real tumours? Discover the fascinating world of modern physics! This captivating exposition features eight stunning images that showcase the latest physics research in Leiden. Each image not only highlights cutting-edge science but also beautifully illustrates the intricate and often unseen aspects of our universe. There is beauty to be found in all these research topics, and even in some of the experimental failures
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Official Afterparty
Nobel x De Nacht van Ontdekkingen present Lander & Adriaan. These virtuoso Belgians were the big surprise during the festival summer of 2023 and got many a major festival dancing with their mix of electronic and jazz fusion. During De Nacht Van Ontdekkingen they will be in the middle of the hall in a 360˚ setting!
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Noble
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Door opens: 10:00 PM
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Emotionele reactie op de rubberen hand illusie
Discover how a fake hand can feel like your own!
Take part in our short investigation in the lab on wheels and experience the rubber hand illusion! In this study you can experience what it feels like when a fake hand starts to feel like your own hand. We are interested in your emotional response to this experience.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
WAX WORM
In a world made up of remnants of human technology, nature has adapted to survive and created the Wax Worm.
Inspired by a plastic-consuming caterpillar from the Pyralidae family, this artwork by AUSGANG Studio celebrates the power of nature and its ability to adapt to various adverse conditions caused by humans.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
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Music by JUNO
Discover the acoustic-electronic music of JUNO.
JUNO takes the dance floor on a journey with acoustic-electronic music. Synthesizers, sax, tuba and drums join forces for a trip through peaks and valleys. Think of the hard beats of Fred Again with a touch of Coldplay. A good start for a night full of discoveries.
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Hortus botanicus
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8:15 PM - 9:00 PM
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Acrobot
The Acrobot is a groundbreaking performance introducing a self-built robotic acrobat, in which Daniel Simu redefines our understanding of collaboration between man and machine. Through an exciting mix of juggling, acrobatics, and storytelling it pokes at the questions of our post-digital society.
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PJ Veth
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Round 1: 20:15
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Round 2: 21:15
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Be The Tree
Trees inhale the carbon dioxide we exhale and convert it into breathable oxygen, so in a sense they are part of our respiratory system and thus your are one with a tree. Be the Tree highlights this symbiotic relationship between humans and plants through this interactive video installation.
In exchange for a breath of air against a propeller, the installation lights the users face on the crown of a blossoming forest giant through the magical technique of video projection mapping.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
Interactieve Escapebox
Discover the rich history of Leiden University by playing this interactive escape box.
Take up the challenge in a group to solve brainteasers and riddles. The eight puzzles all relate to groundbreaking discoveries by Leiden scientists and one by one bring you closer to the denouement, namely a key event in the history of the university.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
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Epiphyllum (Queen Of The Night)
Discover the queen of the night.
The grandmaster of the flute Mark Lotz with a new solo flute program with electronics. A music performance around a magical natural phenomenon of a flower that only blooms at night.
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Hortus botanicus
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Performances: 7:15 PM / 8:15 PM / 9:15 PM
Vervool
Discover how sound and food interact.
Vervool is an "immersive blend of fulfillment and feeling" by vocalist Vivienne Aerts and pastry chef Ted Steinebach. The Dutch live in New York, and travel the world with their 'Vervool' show, where they combine music, art and desserts in a multi -sensory experience. Vervool': an interdisciplinary show with experimental music and edible abstract art
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Hortus botanicus / Old Observatory
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Performances: 7:30 PM / 9:00 PM / 11:00 PM
SALAMANDER
This five-piece band recently made a fresh start at the Utrecht Conservatory and is now eager to show what it has to offer. Composed of guitar, double bass, drums, vocals and trumpet, this group of young dogs provides a mix of danceable neo-soul/funk à la D'Angelo, RH factor or Jordan Rakei that will increase the energy level in the room. Good vibes guaranteed!
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Hortus botanicus
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9:45 PM - 10:30 PM
Beneath the eternal rings
Discover the secrets of eternal life.
Under an ancient tree, podcast and theatre maker Tijs Huys (PS|Theater) takes you on an adventurous quest from the oldest person in the world, to the oldest tree, and from lively centenarians to futuristic forms of further life. Together with musician Ralf Gerritse, it will be a lively evening full of compelling stories, music and scientific depth.
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Old Observatory / Hortus botanicus
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4 performances
Curved Sounds
Discover the underlying harmony and complexity of mathematical structures.
Curved Sounds is an interactive audiovisual experience that sonifies Lissajous curves: curves formed by combining two perpendicular sine waves, with their harmonic frequencies determining the resulting patterns. Simple ratios produce symmetrical patterns, while more complex ratios result in shapes that are constantly changing.
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Old Observatory
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Continuous
Hoe digitaal vaardig ben jij over 40 jaar?
Discover and experience the digital world through the eyes of the elderly.
Under the guidance of researchers from the LUMC, we delve into the future digital world and investigate which skills will be essential. For example, experience what it is like to operate a tablet where you can no longer distinguish the icons properly. Or what it's like to not be sure whether you have clicked something on a touchscreen when the feeling in your fingers is greatly reduced.
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Hortus botanicus
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NTB
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Botanical Wonders
Visual artist Marsha Wichers crosses her botanical sculptures with the plants from the Hortus botanicus Leiden. Are you also a nature lover and do you have a favorite plant in the Hortus? Take a photo, share it via the social channels with the artist and come by to admire your own cross.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
Je neus achterna
Discover the importance of smell for our (eating) behavior
Do you ever think about your nose? How well can you smell? During Sanne's lecture, learn more about why our nose is so important for food, and that we humans are not necessarily inferior to other animals in terms of sense of smell.
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Old Observatory
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8:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Even Apeldoorn bellen in 1574. Schadevergoedingen na het beleg van Leiden
During the Night of Discoveries Holland. Historical Magazine presents the new issue specially dedicated to the sieges of Haarlem, Alkmaar and Leiden. Can we shed light on this old and well-known story from 450 years ago from other perspectives or keep it alive in other ways? After a brief discussion of this question, editor-in-chief Arjan Nobel delves deeper into one of these new perspectives on the siege of Leiden.
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PJ Veth
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11:15 PM - 11:45 PM
Rebooting Business Models
Discover the Future of Digital Business Models
Legal scholar Lex Zard is going to talk about how the public authorities in the European Union are putting pressure on the surveillance-based advertising that has acted as the central business model of the internet last twenty years. Zard will also adress potential future business models and challenges to democracy on the way.
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Gravensteen
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20:30 - 21:00
VR experience – can you keep a cool head?
Discover the ultimate test of your nerves with VR – can you manage your stress while exploring immersive worlds?
Step into a virtual reality that stimulates your senses and makes your heart beat faster. As you explore the limits of these digital adventures, your stress levels are continuously measured. Do you stay calm and collected or do you let the tension overwhelm you? Challenge yourself and discover how well you can keep your cool under pressure.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
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Oud Geleerd
Jong Gedaan
Discover how young and old are connected through knowledge.
The Oud Geleerd Jong Gedaan Foundation strives for a society in which lifelong learning is the norm for everyone. Personal growth does not depend on age! We organize interactive lectures for seniors, given by students.
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Hortus botanicus
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NTB
Virtual Time Travel in Leiden
Theo Pronk, director of the Hidden City Foundation, takes you through the process of historical VR reconstruction and delves into Leiden history together with the visitors. Which places and stories matter? What past does Leiden want to show? And what does that say about the present?
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PJ Veth
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7:15 PM - 7:45 PM
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Tijd om in beweging te komen!
Find out what time is best to exercise.
Do you want to know how the timing of your daily exercise can influence your health? Then come to our lecture about the ON TIME Study! Discover how exercising at different times of the day affects your sleep quality, metabolism and mood. This unique study offers valuable insights for anyone who wants to optimize their well-being
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Hortus botanicus
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NTB
Quiz: Vooroordelen & Veroudering
Discover your factual knowledge during an interactive quiz.
Get ready for a challenge! Take our dynamic ageism quiz and find out how well informed you are about ageism. This quiz is not only a chance to test your knowledge, but also to gain valuable insights that can help you create a more inclusive environment.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous
Doe de leugendectortest!
Find out how a sock can measure stress – will you pass the test?
Have you ever taken a lie detector test? When you lie or are stressed, your skin's signal conduction changes. That happens automatically, you can't do anything about it. Very useful to know whether you are lying, but also whether you are stressed. People with dementia also experience stress, which can lead to misunderstood behavior. Discover on the Night of Discoveries how a sock can detect stress.
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Hortus botanicus
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Continuous