This catalogue is a preview of the new permanent Chemistry exhibition. We reveal which chemical molecules make jackets for recreational pursuits waterproof yet breathable, which materials in modern sports shoes protect the joints of athletes and how adhesives hold together the individual layers of skis. In such products, chemistry helps to save on materials and, therefore, weight, to produce durable and reliable equipment and – last but not least – to give all of these objects bright, long-lasting colours. We present the chemistry of plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes and adhesives, and explain how the molecules involved work.