Kroměříž to display giant inflatable models of bacteria and mites

Giant inflatable models of microscopic organisms — from E. coli bacteria to mites and tardigrades — will appear on the main square of the Czech town of Kroměříž. The event has been organised to give locals and visitors a glimpse into an astonishing world invisible to the naked eye.

The E. coli model will be blown up to three million times its actual size, according to event organiser Kučerová. The mite replica — one of the most widespread living organisms on the planet — is built to a scale of roughly 5,000 to one. Visitors will also see an enlarged model of a tardigrade, or water bear: in reality, this creature measures barely half a millimetre in length, yet it is considered one of the toughest, most resilient organisms on Earth.

What else awaits visitors

Besides the unusual models, organisers have put together an extra programme for the day. Between 4pm and 6pm, everyone will be able to observe the Sun through a special telescope, with an astronomer on hand to explain what they're seeing. At 6pm, the band Polygon will perform on the square, followed two hours later by the tribute act No Name Tribute Band, playing hits by the popular Slovak group. According to Kučerová, both the daytime and evening programmes are free of charge.

The idea of offering the public a "window into the microworld" was first realised by the Brno Observatory and Planetarium in March this year, as part of the city's Electron Microscopy Days. On that occasion, organisers also unveiled huge inflatable models of microorganisms to show that electron microscopes are not only a tool for scientists, but also a way to reveal the hidden beauty of the invisible world to ordinary people.

Read also: Brno: what to see and where to go

Around Prague, based on reporting by ekolist.cz