Archaeology as a Fantastic Hero: Laténium Celebrated at NIFFF

The Laténium museum is marking its 25th anniversary with a special presence at the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF). The museum, which opened its doors on September 7, 2001, after extensive political debate and construction, is participating in a discussion at the festival exploring the connections between archaeology and the fantastic.

This collaboration highlights the enduring fascination with archaeology, often portrayed in popular culture through figures like Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, who, while caricatured, capture the public imagination. The festival provides a platform to delve into these themes, examining how the field of archaeology intersects with elements of fantasy and adventure.

Géraldine Delley, an archaeologist and historian of science and the vice-director of the Laténium, is set to share her insights during the festival. She will address the societal role of archaeology and its place within broader cultural narratives, particularly in relation to the fantastic genre. The event aims to bridge the gap between academic study and popular perception of archaeology.