The work, created by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff, reveals the intricate and often unexpected beauty found within neuroscience research.
Learning about neuroscience in creative and fun ways on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Stationed in front of The Mount Sinai Hospital’s Fifth Avenue entrance, volunteers from The Friedman Brain Institute (FBI) and Mentoring in Neuroscience Discovery at Sinai (MiNDS) welcomed several hundred participants. Booths offered interactive, science-infused activities, such as The Art of Memory, Design a Neuron, and Paint a Brain, along with raffles for framed original “artworks.” Participants could explore the brain’s complexity through creativity, play, and curiosity.
The exhibition and activities had attractions that engaged even young participants.
Volunteer Clementine Blaschke, a Neuroscience PhD student in the lab of Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, reflected on the experience: “The Art of the Brain during Museum Mile is a wonderful event that invites anyone curious to explore neuroscience through creativity and connection. It is inspiring to see people of all ages engage with science.” Dr. Nestler, who became the inaugural Director of the FBI in 2008 and served in that position until 2025, was appointed the Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System.
“It was a perfect blend of art and scientific insight. There’s truly nothing better than combining art and neuroscience and sharing it with the public.”
— Veronica Szarejko, Director, Art of the Brain
A notable addition to the June 2025 event was the participation of the Allen Discovery Center for Neuroimmune Interactions, whose marble-painting activity offered a playful educational representation of neuroimmune communication. By rolling paint-coated marbles across paper, participants created branching, colorful patterns that symbolized the dynamic flow of signals between neurons and immune cells.
Learning about neuroscience at the Art of the Brain exhibition.
A thoughtful moment at the Art of the Brain exhibition.
“It was a perfect blend of art and scientific insight,” says Veronica Szarejko, Director of the Art of the Brain program. “Interest in the Art of the Brain at Museum Mile doubled from 2024, and the level of community enthusiasm was inspiring. The event is not only a lot of fun but also a meaningful way to connect with our neighbors and strengthen community relationships. There’s truly nothing better than combining art and neuroscience and sharing it with the public.”