AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne is now hosting “Mission Polaire,” a captivating exhibition spotlighting the fragile wonders of the polar regions, in partnership with Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum. Kicking off on Saturday, March 8, 2025, and running through March 22, 2026, this immersive journey—launched as part of the International Year of Glacier Preservation—aims to shed light on the urgent environmental challenges facing the Arctic and Antarctic, from melting glaciers to threatened biodiversity.
The exhibition unfolds across three compelling zones. First, visitors step into the boots of legendary polar explorers like Jean Malaurie and Jean-Baptiste Charcot, with artifacts and stories tracing their daring expeditions and contributions to science. Next, an icy plunge into Inuit life—complete with a traditional igloo—reveals their resilience amid climate change and encroaching modernity, inspired by Malaurie’s pioneering work. Finally, the secrets of the poles come alive, contrasting the Arctic’s vibrant summers with Antarctica’s coastal ecosystems, and underscoring how climate shifts threaten icons like polar bears and penguins, risking entire ecosystems.
Since its debut in Monaco in June 2022, “Mission Polaire” has drawn over 1.7 million visitors, a testament to its power to educate and inspire. Now, with the backing of the Aquatis Foundation and partners like Ferring Pharmaceuticals and the Swiss Polar Institute, it arrives in Lausanne to broaden its reach. “We’re proud to bring this to AQUATIS,” said Foundation President Davide Stadler. “It’s a chance to showcase the poles’ beauty and fragility, sparking action to protect them.” Robert Calcagno, head of Monaco’s Oceanographic Institute, added, “Taking this beyond Monaco to new audiences is vital for amplifying the call to preserve these regions.”
