Members of the Huxley Club spend a year studying the main works of Aldous Huxley and familiarising themselves with the contents of the exhibition in order to be able to assist the curator of the centre in showing groups of students from schools and universities around. To qualify as a museum guide students need to attend at least 8 of the lectures listed below, preferably over an academic year, and give evidence of having read the texts concerned. In addition, they need to attend the final induction session for museum guides. The next lecture is on Huxley’s first novel, Crome Yellow, and takes place on Friday 27 September 2024 from 15.00-16.45. See the programme attached for more information. If you are interested in attending or becoming a museum guide, please contact us
The “Hello Aldous” experience is a generative Artificial Intelligence project connected with human behaviours and language. It enables interaction with the writer’s artificially created intelligence, drawing on a corpus of all of Aldous Huxley’s letters, short stories, novels and essays. It provides a unique, personalised encounter between visitors and Aldous Huxley. Using a microphone connected to an interactive Kiosk, the application enables visitors to discuss one-to-one with Aldous Huxley, while he’s relaxing in his library. This state-of-the-art technological program, developed by the AI company, Jumbo Mana, is the world’s first ever English Literature avatar and proves to be both educational and fun. We will be experimenting with the use of avatars in the teaching of English Literature and plan to offer a workshop for teachers in the course of 2025. Before then, visiting school classes will be able to meet and talk to Mr Huxley, personally, as of November 2024! To book, please visit our website booking page:
On Friday 22 November 2024 the Aldous Huxley Centre Zürich will celebrate the second Aldous Huxley Day to honour the life and works of one of the greatest writers and thinkers of the 20th century. We would like to cordially invite yourself and friends to join us in this celebration. As part of the programme for the evening, teacher will be able to take part in the Brave New World Workshop which explores practical ways of teaching the novel to teenagers. Guests are also encouraged to embark on a tour of the centre to meet Aldous Huxley personally (or rather his avatar). Please register for free here:
We are extremely excited to announce that the first ever Brave New Worlds: Brian O’Nolan and Aldous Huxley Symposium. Come and join us at the upcoming symposium exploring the connections between Brian O’Nolan and Aldous Huxley, two major literary figures of the 20th century. O’Nolan’s At Swim-Two-Birds reflects the influence of Huxley’s metafictional techniques, notably seen in Point Counter Point (1928). Scholars have identified parallels between the two writers, particularly in their use of layered narratives and shared critiques of societal control, technological rationalism, and culture. The symposium will delve into these interconnections, offering fresh insights into how their works intersect and resonate across time.
The Brave New Worlds: Brian O’Nolan and Aldous Huxley, will take place on the 7-8 February 2025, at the Aldous Huxley Centre, Zürich.
For more information on the keynote speakers, featured speakers and programme, please visit:
One of the highlights of the event was the insightful discussions led by Professor Bernfried Nugel, Dr. Gerhard Wagner and Uwe Rasch, M.A., from the Centre for Aldous Huxley Studies at the University of Münster. They took turns to shed light on the international interest in Huxley’s work, providing valuable insights into the enduring appeal of Huxley’s ideas, philosophies and continuous influence.
Subsequently, Robin Hull returned to the podium to address the question, ‘Why Huxley? What is in it for teenagers?’ Mr. Hull’s presentation offered compelling arguments for why Huxley’s writings continue to resonate with young audiences, emphasising the relevance of Huxley’s themes in today’s world.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the offerings of The Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich, including the Huxley Club, through a presentation by Robin Hull. This segment highlighted the centre’s commitment to engaging both gymnasia and university students in meaningful activities, dialogue and workshops surrounding Huxley’s works.
A diverse range of artists and specialists involved in the Huxley Centre shared their impressions, showcasing their respective contributions, from paintings and sculptures to audio guides and website design. These presentations provided attendees with a multifaceted understanding of Huxley’s impact on various artistic mediums.
During our recent event, we were honoured to have the participation of several talented artists and specialists whose contributions enriched the experience for all attendees. Here are the individuals who shared their unique perspectives and creations:
We thank all of these talented individuals for their invaluable contributions to the Aldous Huxley Centre. Their passion and dedication has helped bring Huxley’s legacy to life in new and exciting ways, enriching our understanding of his enduring influence on literature and culture.
Then, in a riveting panel discussion, held by the Huxley Club, four exceptional students from Hull’s School: Ivan Belskiy, Alexia Vanotti, Sanjay Hahn, and Raymond Hull, delved into the enduring relevance of Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ and its significance in contemporary society. Engaging with questions from the audience, the panellists explored why reading Huxley’s works remains crucial, strategies to spark interest in reading among youth, and the utopian society depicted in Huxley’s final novel, ‘Island.’ Additionally, they explored Huxley’s advocacy for decentralism and his ecological foresight, notably his contribution of the term ‘ecology’ to the Oxford English Dictionary. The 45-minute discussion showcased the intellectual depth of the panellists and left attendees with a renewed appreciation for literature’s capacity to provoke thought and inspire change.
The formal, grand opening of the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich marked a significant milestone, symbolising the culmination of dedicated efforts to celebrate Aldous Huxley’s legacy. The evening concluded with a drinks reception, where groups were guided through the centre by student guides, fostering further engagement and dialogue among Huxley enthusiasts.
Overall, the event served as a testament to the enduring relevance of Huxley’s works and the vibrant community dedicated to exploring his ideas. With the formal opening of the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich, Falkenstrasse 28a, a new chapter begins in the celebration and study of Huxley’s profound literary contributions.
On November 22nd 2023, the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich proudly hosted its inaugural Aldous Huxley Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to honouring the life and literary contributions of one of the 20th century’s most eminent writers and thinkers.
We were delighted to extend a warm invitation to all 60 enthusiasts, including many teachers from Swiss schools and friends, to join us in commemorating this special day. The evening commenced with the arrival of participants, eager to immerse themselves in an evening dedicated to exploring the legacy of Aldous Huxley. This was followed by a lecture by museum curator Robin Hull titled ‘Why Read Huxley? What is the Purpose of the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich?’ Attendees were treated to insights into Huxley’s enduring relevance and the mission of the centre in preserving and promoting his work.
Following the lecture, guests embarked on guided tours of the centre led by knowledgeable student guides – members of the Huxley Club. These tours offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich which houses one of the world’s most comprehensive publicly accessible exhibitions of Huxley‘s works, in first edition. The books are brought to life by artworks commissioned from contemporary Zurich painters and from artists all over the world. The Centre also features the world’s only reconstruction of Huxley’s Library, which burned down in 1961. Finally, it houses two Brave New World Rooms, including the World Controller’s Office.
The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to delve into Huxley’s literary oeuvre and engage in thought-provoking discussions about his lasting impact on literature and society. It was a fitting tribute to a writer whose visionary ideas continue to resonate with readers around the globe.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the success of Aldous Huxley Day. Your enthusiasm and support are deeply appreciated as we continue our mission of celebrating and preserving the legacy of this literary luminary.
At the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich, our mission is clear: to inspire secondary school and undergraduate students to engage in reading, critical analysis, and creative thinking beyond conventional boundaries. We are dedicated to nurturing intellectual curiosity in young adults while encouraging the exploration of not only ‘Brave New World’ but also the entirety of Huxley’s literary repertoire.
Since our recent opening, the Aldous Huxley Centre has experienced resounding success, drawing the attention of schools from across Switzerland. We have had the privilege of hosting visits from educational institutions in Lausanne, Fribourg, and the Cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen, welcoming over 300 teenage students eager to explore Huxley’s world and engage with his ideas.
This outpouring of interest underscores the significance of our mission and serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of Huxley’s work in contemporary education. We are profoundly grateful for the support of our visitors and look forward to continuing our journey of inspiring the minds of tomorrow through the exploration of literature, art, and critical inquiry.
For further updates on upcoming exhibitions, events, and educational programs at the Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich, stay connected with us through our website and social media platforms.
Aldous Huxley Centre Zurich
Falkenstrasse 28a
8008 Zurich
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