A new exhibition in Barcelona is re-examining the legacy of Charles Darwin, shifting the focus from the famed Galápagos finches to the intricate world of plants that captivated the naturalist for decades. ‘Darwin Botanic,’ hosted in the Parc de la Ciutadella, offers a fresh perspective on the father of evolution, revealing how his botanical studies were fundamental to developing his groundbreaking theories.
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Open free of charge until 31 May, the exhibition immerses visitors in Darwin’s meticulous experiments with orchids, carnivorous plants, and climbing species. While many celebrate his work on animal evolution, his deep fascination with the plant kingdom often remains a footnote. Yet, as the exhibition highlights, Darwin used plants as a key tool to demonstrate adaptation, survival, and the core principles of natural selection.
A Lesser-Known Genius
For many, the name Charles Darwin conjures images of the HMS Beagle and remote islands teeming with unique fauna. However, the scientist dedicated a significant portion of his later life to botany. According to the National centre for Science Education, Darwin saw plants not as passive organisms but as active participants in the struggle for existence. He authored several influential books dedicated entirely to his botanical research, including the 1875 study Insectivorous Plants and The Power of Movement in Plants in 1880.
These studies, which involved detailed observations and ingenious home experiments, helped Darwin solidify his theories. As noted by the Smithsonian Magazine, his work on the complex mechanisms of orchids, for instance, provided powerful evidence for co-evolution between plants and their pollinators.
An Immersive Botanical Journey
Produced by the Natural Science Museum of Barcelona, ‘Darwin Botanic’ brings these historical studies to life. The exhibition features the Nau Picasso, a striking glass and iron structure inside the park’s historic Hivernacle (Winter Garden). Visitors can explore a collection of over one hundred living plant species, alongside illustrations, models, and interactive sensory resources that recreate Darwin’s experiments.
Martí Domínguez Romero, a biologist and journalism professor at the University of Valencia, curates the experience. According to information provided by Turisme de Barcelona, the official city tourism consortium, the exhibition’s narrative aims to reveal a more “personal and relatable Darwin.” By focusing on his hands-on work with familiar yet fascinating plants, it bridges the gap between the monumental historical figure and the curious naturalist at work.
This approach to public education aligns with a growing trend in Barcelona’s cultural offerings. The city has recently welcomed several popular shows that blend science and history with engaging displays, such as the ‘We Are Nature’ immersive exhibition at Caixaforum and the recent blockbuster Pompeii experience. It also spotlights the city’s rich scientific heritage, recently highlighted by the chance discovery of pioneering Antarctic researcher Josefina Castellví’s photographic legacy at a local flea market.
‘Darwin Botanic’ runs until 31 May 2024 at the Hivernacle in Parc de la Ciutadella. Entry is free.
