With Quantum Physicist and Author Dr. Shohini Ghose
Part of The da Vinci Dialogues
THEMUSEUM is pleased to announce it is bringing Margaret Atwood back to our community as a fundraiser.
This special experience will take place at Lazaridis Hall, Wilfrid Laurier University (64 University Avenue, Waterloo), on Sunday, January 17, 2027, at 2:00 pm.
In Conversation with Margaret Atwood is presented as part of The da Vinci Dialogues connected to the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, which opens at THEMUSEUM on September 24, 2026 and runs through February 21, 2027.
The afternoon will be moderated by Dr. Shohini Ghose, Quantum Physicist and Author, of Wilfrid Laurier University.
The talk will be centred on the theme of Bridging Art & Science, drawing on the idea that Atwood and da Vinci share a common thread as interdisciplinary thinkers whose work imagines possible futures. This framing opens the door to a wide-ranging discussion, including Atwood’s latest book.
While da Vinci’s inventions are well known, many may not know of Ms. Atwood’s invention. Invented by Atwood and her company Syngrafii the LongPen is a remote signing device that allows a user to produce a signature on a physical document from a distant location. It debuted in 2006.
Margaret Atwood has long been a literary titan, and her words continue to resonate with every generation. Her landmark novel The Handmaid’s Tale (1985) was adapted into a fifteen-time Emmy Award-winning television series, and its sequel, The Testaments (also a Hulu TV series), won the 2019 Booker Prize. Her New York Times bestselling memoir, Book of Lives, recounts the life of one of the greatest storytellers of our time, unveiling both the workings of a once-in-a-generation imagination and the connections between real life and art.
Dr. Shohini Ghose is a Professor, Physics and Computer Science and NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering; Director of Research and Programs, Centre for Women in Science (WinS) and Chief Technology Officer, Quantum Algorithms Institute. Also, an author her most recent book is called Her Space, Her Time: How trailblazing women scientists decoded the hidden universe
The not-to-be-missed experience will be fun and informative, followed by a short Q&A with the audience.
The da Vinci Dialogues will feature speakers, panels, films and performances with participation from 5 North American universities.
Tickets
- General Admission: $80+hst/admin fees
Student/Youth Admission: $60+hst/admin fees*
*Valid Student ID must be present for students over the age of 18 years.
VIP Experience
- 30 VIP tickets ensure first four-row seating.
- Exclusive invitation to a post-event reception attended by Margaret Atwood, including lite hors d’oeuvres and a drink.
- A copy of Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts, which can be autographed.
- A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount.
VVIP Experience
- 12 VVIP tickets include brunch with Margaret Atwood before the event.
- A copy of Margaret Atwood’s Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts, which can be autographed.
- A tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount.
Both VIP Experiences, if secured before September 15, will also include an invitation to our exclusive Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius exhibition Opening Night event on Thursday, September 23, 2026, at THEMUSEUM. The Italian Ambassador to Canada will officially open the exhibition.