The publicly accessible Periodic Table Display exhibits samples of the elements (where feasible) and related items of daily life, corresponding minerals, and iconic compounds that highlight the chemistry of the element, as well samples from past and current teaching and research activities of the faculty of the Department of Chemistry. The display was designed to weave a dense fabric of chemistry and its long-standing and comprehensive influence on every aspect of life; its density invites discovery and re-visits. It is suitable for all ages. Of the ~1200 samples included, some are quite unique, while many others are found in every household. Samples shown hail from space, the bottom of the ocean, or were pulled from the earth. Select items are genuine antiques while others are contemporary. Items of vanity and luxury are next to items essential to life or prosaic tools. Medicine, engineering, the arts, chemistry, biology and aspects of history, geography, are represented. All items were chosen to delight and educate – come and enjoy.

Two interactive touch displays deliver information: One provides general information about the elements and allows one to call up visually appealing chemical reactions of the element selected. The other display provides a close-up image of each item displayed, complete with a brief description.

For further information, see UConn Today https://today.uconn.edu/2022/11/chemistry-buildings-interactive-periodic-table-tells-stories-one-element-at-a-time/ and UConn Magazine https://magazine.uconn.edu/2023/02/14/period-pieces/

This project, completed in stages between summer 2022 and April 2024, when it was dedicated to the public. It was conceived and setup by Chemistry faculty member Christian Brückner who had collected samples for decades while dreaming of a way to display them; Marcos Palomo from 118Display provided the physical display case, software, and videography, and complemented the collection in major ways.

The project was made possible with support from the family of late Professor emeritus Ulrich Mueller-Westerhoff, Heike and Christian Brückner, the UConn Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Office of the Provost.

 

Interactive Periodic Table

Location
Chemistry Building
Atrium, 2^nd Floor
55 N Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06269

Opening Hours: Accessible during all times the building is open, including weekends, with illumination daily from 9 am to 7 pm.

Guided tours for, e.g., school classes may be possible, on appointment (please send email to c.bruckner@uconn.edu with as much information as possible).