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NOW OPEN: Uncover an Ultra-Tiny Hidden Universe with Stunning Exhibit at MOSI

TAMPA, FL (April 9, 2026) - For one month only, MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Innovation, will captivate guests with incredible images from the Nikon Small World Microphotography Competition. Now open, the temporary exhibit “Nikon Small World” showcases award-winning photos of creatures and objects that are tiny or microscopic (and sometimes pretty strange) blown up to larger-than-life size.

Published April 9, 2026, 9:52 AM UTC

Discover a “Small World” unknown to the naked eye and reveal the art hidden in algae, pollen, fungi, and animals

For the second year in a row, MOSI will host winning images from the worldwide contest that celebrates the stunning art of “microphotography.” Through May 3, MOSI guests will be captivated by the unreal images, which offer the opportunity to explore life beyond the naked eye. From the intricate details of the spore sacs of a fern to the glass-like eyes of a jumping spider, each image captures the unknown details of the world around us.

“At MOSI, we believe you can find art in everything. Sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes, it’s hidden. This exhibit seeks out the microscopic works of art that are right there in our everyday lives and zooms way in so we can all appreciate it,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith.

At MOSI, these mind-blowing magnified images will be presented at a scale that allows you to see every remarkable detail, giving you an intimate and powerful perspective on the things we can’t normally observe with the naked eye.

The exhibit includes a range of subjects, magnified anywhere from 5 to 100 times. The winning photographers have captured the unexpected beauty of a rice weevil perched upon a grain of rice (the first-place winner at 5-times magnification), along with the surprising inner worlds of algae, pollen, and more.

The Nikon Small World exhibit is a must-see for science lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about the invisible wonders of our world. It’s included with MOSI admission and will be on display in the Arc Gallery on the 2nd floor of MOSI’s Holloway Digital Dome Theatre.

Learn More

About MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Innovation

MOSI is Tampa Bay’s center of science and innovation, located in North Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave.

Welcome to the Museum of Science and Innovation, where the wonders of science come to life. We are a hands-on science center dedicated to interactive learning and playful exploration. As the home of engaging permanent and rotating exhibits, out-of-this-world programming, and the immersive Holloway Digital Dome Theatre, home to the Saunders Planetarium—the second largest planetarium in the United States—MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all. Come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock the mysteries of the world around us.

About Nikon Corporation

Founded in 1917, Nikon is a global leader in optical and imaging technology. Known for its high-quality cameras, lenses, and optical instruments, Nikon also offers solutions in healthcare, industrial, and semiconductor fields.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Nikon is dedicated to innovation and precision, providing products that empower creativity and support scientific advancement. With a global presence, Nikon continues to push the boundaries of imaging technology to enhance the quality of life. For more information, visit nikon.com.

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