Maija Tammi’s solo exhibition 'The Empathy Machine' opens at Photo Museum Ireland in November

Photo Museum Ireland in Dublin presents The Empathy Machine, a groundbreaking solo exhibition by Finnish artist and researcher Maija Tammi. At the heart of the exhibition is Hulda & Lilli, an immersive installation that fuses art and science in a powerful narrative experience.

Visitors begin their journey by making a choice that shapes how they engage with a series of intimate, fairytale-like stories presented in photographs, illuminated texts, and a large-scale video projection. They get to follow the story, biological development and feelings of either a female chameleon called Hulda, or a female locust called Lilli. Designed to provoke genuine emotional responses, this engaging exhibition is a kind of inventive human experiment. It encourages viewers to question how empathy is created, and how their own emotions are experienced and understood.

A dedicated ‘debriefing room’ at the end of the exhibition offers visitors fresh perspectives to reflect on their emotional journey. With insights ranging from neuroscience and biology to film and media studies, visitors have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of empathy as a human experience.

This is the Irish premiere of Tammi’s acclaimed work, and Photo Museum Ireland is proud to present this ambitious project in partnership with the Finnish Museum of Photography with support from the Finnish Cultural Foundation, the Finnish Institute and the Embassy of Finland in Ireland.

The accompanying series of engagement events is supported by Taighde Ireland/Research Ireland and is part of the exciting Science Week 2025 national programme

Science Week Free Events at Photo Museum Ireland

A special series of events accompanies The Empathy Machine during National Science Week (9–16 November):

Exhibition Opening – Tuesday 11 November, 6pm

Official opening by Her Excellency Leena Gardemeister, Ambassador of Finland. The artist will be present.

Keynote Talk – Wednesday 12 November, 1:10pm

Psychologist Dr Marius Vollberg (University of Zurich) will present a lunchtime talk on ‘The Promises and Pitfalls of Empathy’, with an introduction by Dr Mark Cunningham (TCD). Venue: The Ark, Temple Bar

Family Workshops – Sunday 16 November, 2pm & 3pm

The Very Hungry… Chameleon – a playful, science-inspired workshop for children and families.

Public Tours – Daily throughout Science Week

Short, guided introductions to The Empathy Machine, offering insight into the journey where art and science intersect.

About Photo Museum Ireland

Photo Museum Ireland is the national centre for contemporary photography. We lead the way in showcasing the very best of photography for all audiences, encouraging debate and new thinking about the role of the photographic image in society. Innovative exhibitions showcase work by established Irish and International artists to address important artistic, cultural or societal issues and reflect emerging photographic practices. With an average of 5-6 exhibitions annually, we enlighten, challenge, and inspire over 60,000 visitors to Photo Museum Ireland. Founded in 1978 as the Gallery of Photography, it was Ireland’s first public gallery dedicated to photography. In 2022, we established Ireland’s first photo museum. Our dedicated photography collection defines, preserves and promotes the canon of photography in Ireland. Our dynamic engagement programmes foster greater awareness of photography and deepen understanding of photography and visual culture. By creating innovative and inclusive opportunities for people to engage with our events, we build connections and promote meaningful exchanges between artists and the public. Photo Museum Ireland believes photography is for everyone. Supported by The Arts Council and Dublin City Council.

For more information, visit: www.photomuseumireland.ie (opens a new window)