Press Releases

Spying on Nature at National Museum Cardiff this summer

Have you ever wondered how scientists’ observations lead to new discoveries? I Spy... Nature - a brand new exhibition opening at National Museum Cardiff on Saturday 19 July 2014 is a hands-on, family exhibition allowing you to try your hand at observing and recording nature.

Join Welsh wildlife expert Dr Rhys Jones and the Museum’s natural science curators to celebrate the opening day of I Spy…Nature, which is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The day will include family art workshops, activities and a chance to view the exhibition (10am – 5pm, Saturday 19 July).

Experience how a Victorian naturalist sketched the natural world and how modern technology allows scientists to image objects in 3-D. Discover how animals view nature differently to humans and get up close and personal with dozens of natural history objects under the microscope.

Also included in the exhibition is an interactive quiz entitled ‘What Kind of Explorer are you?’ and an opportunity to see how scientists work in the laboratory or out in the field. Visitors will be able to try their hand at illustrating nature, using microscopes, drawings and natural history objects.

Katie Mortimer-Jones, Senior Curator: Marine Invertebrates, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales who’s played a lead role in the project said:

“It is the start of the summer holidays and what better way to celebrate that with our brand new I Spy…Nature exhibition and related activities? It promises to be a lot of fun. It’s an opportunity for visitors to explore and spy nature - from butterflies to worms and flowers. You can even get dressed up as a scientist!”

Dr Rhys Jones, who used to visit National Museum Cardiff with his grandfather when he was younger and is still a great supporter of the Museum added:

“When I got my sneak peek of the I Spy Nature exhibition I felt a surge of excitement and was instantly transported back to when I was a little boy visiting the museum for the first time. Back then I can remember wishing I could dress up and be a scientist for the day, and now it seems you actually can! I cannot wait to see how excited the visitors will be and how much they will enjoy this beautifully thought out, hands on exhibition. It's science, it's fun and it's utterly fabulous.”

The exhibition is accompanied by an inspiring programme of events and learning activities including:

  • ·         Family Tours: Nature in a New Light 19 – 25 July, 29 July – 1 August (11am, 1pm & 3pm)

Take a guided tour around the I Spy..Nature exhibition and make your own artwork inspired by the weird and wonderful sights on display.

  • ·         Family Workshop: I Spy...Nature 19 July – 1 August (11am - 4pm)

Explore some of the ways we look at nature and make a piece of artwork to take home.

  • ·         Summer Family Treasure Trail 19 July – 31 August 2014 (10am – 4:45pm)

Follow the trail around the museum to solve the clues.

  • ·         Family Workshops: Rock On! 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 & 30 – 31 August

Discover the fascinating world of Geology and make a memento to take home.

  • ·         Taith Iaith: I Spy…Nature   25 September 2014 (For Welsh learners)

How scientists observe nature to give us a greater understanding of the world around us with Kate Mortimer-Jones & Lucy McCobb

National Museum Cardiff’s exhibition and events programme is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Wildlife Trusts Wales is also supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Admission to I Spy…Nature which will run until 2 April 2014 and National Museum Cardiff is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales. These are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

 

Ends

 

For further information or for interview requests please contact Catrin Taylor at National Museum Cardiff on 02920 573185 or catrin.taylor@museumwales.ac.uk.

Notes to Editors

 

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