truth*

ON VIEW SEP 9, 2022 - JUL 17, 2023

At the heart of our social and political divide lie questions of truth – how it is defined, by whom and for what purpose. truth* uses multiple lenses to bring current thoughts, questions, and debates into focus. In an immersive and interactive space built by a community of thinkers and creators, we provide tools to navigate and engage in these critical conversations. With powerful visuals and activities that promote self-reflection and shared experiences, truth* invites us to consider how the quest for truth opens our minds to new ideas and perspectives, leading to a more connected and understanding world.

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.”

– Albert Einstein

What is Truth?

The asterisk in truth* highlights the subtle but significant difference between lowercase truth and capital-T Truth. Visitors are introduced to this distinction upon entering the exhibition, setting the stage for an experience that encourages curiosity, openness, and critical self-reflection.

A glossary of key terms and an introductory framework invite visitors to see the search for truth as a fundamental part of the human condition.

Pathways to Truth

truth* explores multiple pathways through which people seek and understand truth, including science, religion, history, and technology. A philosophical timeline traces evolving ideas about truth, while personal testimonies explore its role in religious faith.

A dedicated section on media, politics, and technology examines how information systems shape perception and contribute to polarization, prompting visitors to consider not only what they believe, but how and why those beliefs are formed.

Interactive Experiences and Critical Thinking

Throughout the exhibition, visitors encounter interactive elements designed to strengthen critical thinking and constructive dialogue. These include spaces for reflection, conversation, and personal response, as well as a take-away “roadmap” that frames truth as a journey rather than a fixed destination.

The recurring asterisk serves as a visual reminder to look beyond surface-level information and remain mindful of personal bias.

Contemporary Art and Immersive Installations

Two immersive installations by Philadelphia-based artists deepen the exhibition’s themes and offer opportunities for personal reflection:

Joseph Lazaro Rodriguez, whose work draws on personal experience across painting, sculpture, and multi-channel video

williamCromar, a new media artist and Director of the MakerSpace at Penn State Abington

Together, these works explore how lived experience, identity, and technology shape perception and belief.

Truth as a Practice, Not a Certainty

In a world of competing narratives and constant information, truth* challenges visitors to consider what is at stake when truth becomes absolute—or dismissed entirely. The exhibition makes the case that truth is not a destination, but an ongoing practice rooted in curiosity, dialogue, and openness to new ideas.

By reframing truth as a journey, truth* affirms that the pursuit of understanding is essential to liberty itself.