13.12.2025 11:00 - 18:00
Musée de la nature du Valais / Naturmuseum Wallis, Rue des Châteaux 12, 1950 Sion
Recent work in the Val de Bagnes bedrock by the Valais Museum of Nature has uncovered rare geological objects known as polymetallic nodules.
These mineral formations, comparable to those found today at depths of almost 5,000 metres in today's oceans and attracting the interest of mining companies, are distinguished by their much older origins. Those in the Val de Bagnes were formed some 150 million years ago, in an ocean that has now disappeared.
But how did these treasures from the abyss end up in the heart of the Alps? The Valais Nature Museum's new Focus Expo, entitled "Ocean at the top", takes you on an extraordinary journey into the depths of this ancient ocean, to discover why and how the left bank of the Valais is home to such a diversity of rocks from this distant oceanic past.
The Valais Nature Museum's Focus Exhibitions showcase objects from the collection's reserves, whether old, newly acquired or linked to ongoing scientific work. While permanent exhibitions generally showcase the museum's most emblematic pieces, the objects kept in reserve are no less interesting.
In natural science museums, each object is preserved because of its importance to the study of biodiversity, geodiversity and the evolution of species and natural environments. It is on this scientific basis that the Valais Nature Museum actively pursues its collecting activities.
The Focus Exhibitions combine the highlighting of particular objects with an explanation of the scientific reasons why they are worthy of interest. They also incorporate mediation adapted to different audiences, and often feature interactive or manipulative devices to enrich visitors' experience.
The Valais Nature Museum's Focus Exhibitions are presented in the museum's reception area, and are renewed every year in October.
These mineral formations, comparable to those found today at depths of almost 5,000 metres in today's oceans and attracting the interest of mining companies, are distinguished by their much older origins. Those in the Val de Bagnes were formed some 150 million years ago, in an ocean that has now disappeared.
But how did these treasures from the abyss end up in the heart of the Alps? The Valais Nature Museum's new Focus Expo, entitled "Ocean at the top", takes you on an extraordinary journey into the depths of this ancient ocean, to discover why and how the left bank of the Valais is home to such a diversity of rocks from this distant oceanic past.
The Valais Nature Museum's Focus Exhibitions showcase objects from the collection's reserves, whether old, newly acquired or linked to ongoing scientific work. While permanent exhibitions generally showcase the museum's most emblematic pieces, the objects kept in reserve are no less interesting.
In natural science museums, each object is preserved because of its importance to the study of biodiversity, geodiversity and the evolution of species and natural environments. It is on this scientific basis that the Valais Nature Museum actively pursues its collecting activities.
The Focus Exhibitions combine the highlighting of particular objects with an explanation of the scientific reasons why they are worthy of interest. They also incorporate mediation adapted to different audiences, and often feature interactive or manipulative devices to enrich visitors' experience.
The Valais Nature Museum's Focus Exhibitions are presented in the museum's reception area, and are renewed every year in October.
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Marie Rochel