Oracle: A Kaleidoscope of the Future

Description

People have always sought answers to the unknown. The exhibition “Oracle: A Kaleidoscope of the Future” shows how the way we view the future has changed over millennia—and why it has lost none of its fascination to this day. The exhibition explores the human need to interpret uncertainties and find direction. It sheds light on the centuries-old practice of reading signs in the world—whether in the flight of birds, in the clouds, or today in streams of data. Selected objects from the museum’s collections—ranging from ancient artifacts to natural history exhibits and works of art—illustrate the diverse methods people have used for millennia to interpret the future and find guidance amid uncertainty. Who do we trust when we want to learn about the future? Curator-led tours:
Sunday, August 30, 2026, 11:30 a. m., with Victoria Humphrey
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 12:30 p. m., with Victoria Humphrey
Sunday, January 10, 2027, 2:00 p. m., closing reception tour with Victoria Humphrey, followed by a reception General tours:
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 12:30 p. m., with Bettina Bussinger
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6:30 p. m., with Bettina Bussinger Thematic tours:
Thursday, September 3, 2026, 12:30 p. m., “Criticized, Banished, Banned—Divination as a Controversial Practice,” with Carmen Slatter
Sunday, October 4, 2026, 11:30 a. m., “The Museum of the Future,” with Gesa Schneider
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:30 a. m., “From Delphi to Mexico—Oracles in Ancient Cultures,” with Werner Rutishauser Family Tour:
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 2:00 p. m., “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not…”—What Plants Reveal About the Future, with Victoria Humphrey, Michèle Büttner, and Maya Demmerle Museum Night:
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 5:00 p. m.–midnight, Theme: Appearance and Reality. Featuring short tours, coffee grounds reading, live fortune-telling, and more. Panel Discussion:
Thursday, November 26, 2026, 6:30 p. m., “AI as an Oracle?” with Gesa Schneider, Victoria Humphrey, and guests

Highlights

• Curator-led tours with Victoria Humphrey
• Thematic tours exploring divination and ancient cultures
• Exhibition features artifacts and art illustrating future interpretation

General Information

The exhibition 'Oracle: A Kaleidoscope of the Future' at the Museum zu Allerheiligen examines humanity's evolving view of the future. It includes guided tours and thematic discussions, showcasing artifacts that highlight diverse methods of interpreting uncertainties throughout history.

Location

Klosterstrasse 16, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland

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