Beginning is often said to be the hardest part of any journey, but Adelaide University’s MOD. is challenging this concept in their new exhibition.
BEGINNINGS, which opens on Tuesday, 13 January, explores the many ways we can individually and collectively take action today to shape the future.
The interactive exhibits are designed around topics including the origins of life and the universe, our consumer choices and behaviours, and how we can make the transition to a greener energy system.
Coinciding with Adelaide University’s launch this year, BEGINNINGS brings together contributions from more than 60 Adelaide University researchers across the University’s signature research themes: Defence and National Security; Food, Agriculture and Wine; Creative and Cultural; Personal and Societal Health; and Sustainable Green Transition.*
“MOD. occupies the intersection of art and science to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery among people aged 15 years and above,” says Professor Jessica Gallagher, Adelaide University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor International & External Engagement.
“BEGINNINGS invites visitors to consider how their first steps can shape the future they imagine. It offers a unique way to engage with Adelaide University’s research and innovation as Australia’s newest university makes its own fresh beginning.”
In the exhibit titled The Convenient Store, consumer choice and behaviour research is brought to life when visitors are asked to fill their basket with products of their choosing. At the checkout, they uncover the hidden opportunities and costs of their decisions, highlighting how small choices can start to have large impact.
In The Convenient Store visitors explore the hidden costs and opportunities of their choices. Credit: Sia Duff.
Just down the hallway, energy systems are in focus with a giant mechanical machine, The Beast. Visitors must feed The Beast to keep it happy with the available energy systems, balancing growth with the capacity of non-renewable and renewable resources. The exhibit explores how we can start to transform complex systems.
“As we prepared this exhibition, young people told us that they want change, but knowing where to start can be difficult,” says Dr Lisa Bailey, Director of MOD.
“BEGINNINGS gives visitors the chance to explore a range of skills and capabilities that allow us to start to make positive change for the future today, whether that’s stopping to listen to the perspectives of others, unlocking our creativity, or being resilient when needing to begin again after setbacks.”
MOD. is a future-focused museum, unlike any other in Australia. Its collection reflects the research happening at Adelaide University and across the world.
MOD.’s exhibits are made by bringing together artists, industry and researchers. This unique collaboration results in exhibitions that showcase our current knowledge of the world and helps us to imagine our futures to create the ones we want to live in. MOD.’s exhibitions are aimed at young people 15 to 25 years old, but is welcoming to all.
BEGINNINGS is free to visit from 13 January to 20 November 2026. MOD. opens from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
Find out more on the MOD. website. Follow and tag @mod_museum on Instagram
*Adelaide University delivers transformative research across five signature research themes. Find out more about these themes here.