The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre is announcing its new summer exhibition, Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno – Biomimicry and Transport, a travelling exhibition that explores how nature’s designs have inspired innovative technologies. The Museum is inviting members to a special opening event on May 14, 2026, ahead of the exhibition’s public opening.
Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno introduces visitors to the concept of biomimicry, a design approach that draws inspiration from nature’s shapes, systems and processes to solve human challenges. The exhibition features natural specimens paired with technological objects, revealing how observation of the natural world has led to breakthroughs in transportation and everyday technology.
Visitors will discover unique innovations like:
- how a kingfisher’s beak helped engineers design quieter, more efficient trains;
- how the burrs of a prickly thistle inspired a familiar fastener used around the world;
- and how the structure of seashells influenced the development of stronger, more resilient building materials.
The exhibition combines themes of innovation and ecology to spark curiosity and highlight how natural designs can inform future technological development.
The exhibition is a production of the Musée de l’ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier in collaboration with the Musée de la nature et des sciences de Sherbrooke, Granby Zoo and the Institut de biomimétisme. The project is possible with the support of the Government of Canada and proud sponsor Ontario Power Generation, with media partner 101.7 The One.
Museum members are invited to see the exhibition first during a special opening event on Thursday, May 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening includes an interactive quiz show beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Bruce Power Theatre. Hands‑on activities inspired by nature and engineering, and a creative challenge encouraging participants to design their own invention inspired by plants or animals will follow. Guests can also make a bee hotel, enjoy sliders and pizza, and leave with a sweet treat.
Members wishing to join the opening event may RSVP online or by calling 519‑797‑2080.
Inspiring Nature, Inspired Techno – Biomimicry and Transport opens to the public May 15 and will remain on display throughout the summer, inviting visitors of all ages to explore how nature continues to serve as one of the world’s greatest sources of invention and inspiration.
For more information about the exhibition or to register for the opening event, visit brucemuseum.ca.
About the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre: The Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre is situated within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). We offer adult and children’s programming, exhibitions, special events and are home to the Bruce County Archives & Research Room. Our mandate is to preserve and make available the documentary heritage of Bruce County.
