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Published: 16 July 2025

ISSI Mural

by Fabio Crameri

ISSI Outreach

Highlights

ISSI Staff

Science art

ISSI

ISSI Staff

Our Universe in One Wall: The ISSI Mural That’s Taking Space Science to the Stars (Literally)

If you’ve recently had a coffee in ISSI’s common area and felt the Moon watching you—or spotted an alien contemplating a galaxy—you’re not imagining things. You’ve encountered the latest addition to our institute: a stunning, wall-sized space science mural, hand-painted by our very own Cosima-Lea Baier and Fabio Crameri.

Where Earth Meets Art (and a 3-D Moon)

Stretching across the entire common-area wall, the mural bursts with space wonders: a 3-D sculpted Earth and Moon (yes, they protrude—watch your head!), a swirling galaxy, Jupiter’s stormy surface, a black hole, and an Earth observation satellite in orbit. The James Webb Space Telescope also makes an appearance, gleaming among—what else?—stars. So. Many. Stars.

There are Easter eggs too: a tiny rocket tucked behind a crater, and rumours of an alien watching the cosmos. We can neither confirm nor deny.

A Universe of Disciplines in Layers

The mural visually captures ISSI’s scientific heart: Earth science, planetary science, heliophysics, and cosmology. Each element—be it the galaxy, the satellite, or solar flares—nods to the research happening here every day.

It’s not just content that’s layered—so are the materials. Plaster, tinfoil, coloured pencil, marker, and airbrush all combine to add texture and depth. The result mirrors our scientific work: detailed, diverse, and full of curiosity.

A Starry Celebration of ISSI

Even before its unveiling, the mural became a photo favourite—sparking questions, selfies, and even unexpected scientific crossovers. The bold ISSI logo with its blue frame ground it in our identity, while its artistic techniques reflect the interdisciplinary collaboration we stand for.

More than decoration, the mural is a celebration of bold creativity and unforgiving exploration. It invites our visitors to engage—to trace an orbit, to wonder about a black hole, to imagine what lies beyond.

So next time you’re near the ISSI coffee machine, pause! Let your eyes explore the mural, and let your mind wander. Your next idea might just begin with a comet drawn in pencil and airbrush.

Thank you, Cosima-Lea and Fabio, for showing us that science flourishes not only through data—but also through imagination.

✨

Want a sneak peek? Watch the Making-of below, spot it in the background of your colleagues’ next social media post—or, best, come see it in person. Just follow the stardust!

The making-of

Interview with the artist

Credits ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, A. Martel