How can you investigate something you cannot see?The challenge of understanding the unknown motivates scientists today, just as it has inspired curious people for centuries.Using material from the Allen Forbes Collection, this exhibit traces the scientific process of observing, measuring, and describing that turned whales from monsters into mammals.Using prints from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries, Monsters of the Deep examines how European knowledge about the creatures of the sea was informed by new information from sailors, scholars, and beachcombers, and how that knowledge transformed what people understood about the natural world.Want a closer look at what we have on view? You can explore digitized versions of exhibition objects here.On view through January 2026.

Hiroshi Ishii and the Tangible Media Group at the MIT Media Lab have pioneered new ways for people to interact with computers, with the invention of the “tangible user interface.”It began with a vision of "Tangible Bits," where users can manipulate ordinary physical objects to access digital information. It evolved into a bolder vision of "Radical Atoms," where materials can change form and reconfigure themselves just as pixels can on a screen. This experimental exhibit of three iconic works — SandScape, inFORM, and TRANSFORM — is part of the MIT Museum's ongoing efforts to collect the physical machines as well as preserve the user experience of, in Ishii's words, making atoms dance.Learn more about the exhibits here, or watch the YouTube video of Hiroshi Ishii's talk at the MIT Museum below.This is an ongoing exhibition in our MIT Collects exhibition.

Janet Echelman's Remembering the Future widens our perspective in time, giving sculptural form to the history of the Earth's climate from the last ice age to the present moment, and then branching out to visualize multiple potential futures.Constructed from colored twines and ropes that are braided, knotted and hand-spliced to create a three-dimensional form, the immersive artwork greets you with its grand scale presiding over the MIT Museum lobby.This large-scale installation by 2022-2024 MIT Distinguished Visiting Artist Janet Echelman, was developed during her residency at the MIT Center for Art, Science & Technology (CAST). Architect, engineer and MIT Associate Professor Caitlin Mueller collaborated on the development of the piece.The title, Remembering the Future was inspired by the writings commonly attributed to Søren Kierkegaard: "The most painful state of being is remembering the future, particularly the one you'll never have."As the culmination of three years of dedicated research and collaboration, this site-specific installation explores Earth's climate timeline, translating historical records and possible futures into sculptural form.Echelman's climate research for this project was guided by Professor Raffaele Ferrari and the MIT Lorenz Center, creators of En-ROADS simulator which uses current climate data and modeling to visualize the impact of environmental policies and actions on energy systems.Learn more about Janet Echelman and the MIT Museum x CAST Collaboration.Learn more about the exhibition at the MIT Museum.

In this IAP series, you will learn how to design, test, and iterate your own puzzle box while exploring what makes puzzles fun, challenging, frustrating, and/or rewarding. No previous experience with puzzles, engineering, or modeling is needed. We will provide supplies for prototyping and an introduction to digital prototyping.Registration will be capped at 15 participants. Please only RSVP if you plan on attending most of the sessions.Series Schedule (Subject to Modification)In-Person Sessions are 10am-11:30amOnline sessions are 10am-11amWeek 1Monday 1/5: In-PersonExplore a variety of puzzle boxes while exploring goals, challenge level, and design decisionsBegin to brainstorm and outline ideas for your own puzzle boxTuesday 1/6: VirtualShare and discuss initial design ideasExplore common mechanisms, signposting, and how to systematically add complexityWednesday 1/7: VirtualBegin prototyping puzzle boxes and experimenting with mechanismsExplore how to effectively user-testThursday 1/8: ZoomIntroduction to designing puzzles digitallyFriday 1/9: In-PersonBuild and feedback sessionWeek 2Wednesday 1/14: VirtualDesign check-in (Note time of this session may change)Week 3Wednesday 1/21: In-PersonTesting and iterationFriday 1/23Present and play test your puzzles

Looking to create or enhance your own personal website but don’t know where to start? Join our hands-on workshop where you'll not only learn the essentials of website creation but also walk away with a working draft of your site!Lunch will be provided to help fuel your brainstorming.When: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 11:30am-1pmWhere: Room 31-270Having accurate RSVP numbers is crucial for our planning and providing the best experience for you. Please only RSVP yes if you definitely plan on attending.RSVP here

Autonomous RACECAR IAP CourseRev up your curiosity and get hands-on with the future of robotics! In this fast-paced two-week course, you’ll dive into the world of autonomous vehicles by programming a 1:14 scale RACECAR to speed through obstacle courses—all on its own. You’ll learn the fundamentals of autonomy, sensors, and control systems while working in teams to make your car faster, smarter, and more agile.The course wraps up with an epic hackathon and tunnel race in the legendary MIT tunnels—complete with prizes, bragging rights, and high-octane fun. 🏁Come build, code, and compete your way to the finish line!Instructor Name: Chris LaiRegistration Opens: November 3, 2025During IAP would it be possible to use the Bldg. 17 hangar/garage (not sure what to call it) space during the below times for RACECAR IAP?Week 1: January 19th, 21st, 23rd, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), 1pm – 5pmWeek 2: January 26th, 28th, 2026 (Monday, Wednesday), 1pm – 5pmFinal Event: January 30th, 2026 (Friday), 1pm – 5pmLocation: 17-130Registration Link: hhttps://mit-bwsi.formstack.com/forms/racecar_neo_iap_2026Website link: https://sites.mit.edu/mit-racecar/