26/01/2022

'The Man Who Knew Too Much': Álvaro Alberto wins film festival.

Álvaro Alberto da Motta e Silva held many titles. He was a scientist, admiral, inventor, founder and president of CNPq and one of the driving forces behind the creation of IMPA. He wrote Brazil's first nuclear policy program, defended science and articulated the country's interests in international politics. Therefore, nothing could be more fitting than the title of one of the largest exhibitions dedicated to him: “Álvaro Alberto: The Man Who Knew Too Much”, which opened on Wednesday (2) at the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences (MAST), in São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro.

Featuring pieces from the collection as well as a futuristic aesthetic, the exhibition offers a summary of the legacy of one of Brazil's leading scientists. IMPA participated in the production process of the exhibition, especially in the scientist's work in creating the institute. "We are very happy to participate in an exhibition honoring Admiral Álvaro Alberto, who played a leading role in the creation of IMPA and other important Brazilian scientific institutions," says IMPA's Director-General, Marcelo Viana.

The exhibition is divided into three sections, addressing the scientist's biography and history, nuclear energy, and his scientific legacy. In one of the rooms, MAST used a table from its collection to recreate the workspace of Álvaro Alberto, born in 1889 and a pioneer in Brazilian nuclear energy research, in an immersive and interactive way. In this space, interactive images project linear animations of drawings, texts, and sketches onto the 1920s-era cabinet. The animation will also show caricatures and poems that "the man who knew too much" used to create.

The final area focuses on the scientist's contribution to the creation of a network of research institutions that, to this day, formulate and conduct science, technology, and innovation policies in Brazil.

The exhibition, which is open to the public until July 1st, is the first at MAST since the museum closed its doors in March last year due to the pandemic. The opening event for guests will be held on Tuesday (1st), at 4:30 pm.

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Álvaro Alberto: The Man Who Knew Too Much

Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences

General Bruce Street, 586, São Cristóvão

Opening for guests: February 1st, at 4:30 PM

Visiting hours: February 2nd to July 1st