Manchester Museum Exhibition Listings 2014 – 2015 Coral: Something Rich and Strange Continues to 16 March 2014 Explore the enduring fascination with coral as a material, symbol and inspiration for artists, cultures and societies across the centuries. Coral: Something Rich and Strange is a major exhibition which provides a plethora of fascinating and beautiful objects, telling a story about biodiversity and the importance of marine environments today. Art installations by Mark Dion and textile artist Karen Casper are shown alongside a community art project, Manchester’s first Crochet Coral Reef. Paintings, prints and objects on loan from Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery and the V&A are also on display. From the War of Nature 11 April 2014 – 31 August 2014 Private View: Thursday 10 April Boxing hares, burrowing parasites, baby birds and prowling wolves are just some of the characters appearing in this story of predation, competition, cooperation and collaboration. The exhibition reveals that living things resolve conflict in many, often unexpected, ways and aims to challenge the perception that war an inevitable outcome of conflict. From the War of Nature coincides with the nationwide commemoration of the start of World War I. The title comes from Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, published in 1859. Drawing upon more recent scientific discoveries about the relationships between living things, the exhibition explores the place of war in nature, and the idea of a ‘struggle for existence’. Whitworth Park: Pleasure, Play and Politics 24 May 2014 –5 October 2014 This exhibition will examine and explore how the role of Manchester’s Whitworth Park has changed over time. The displays are the result of a local archaeology project and the myriad of objects reflect the important role that the park has played for the local community over the years. Whitworth Park: Pleasure, Play and Politics will appeal to those with an interest in social and local history and reveal some surprising secrets about this popular city park.
Siberia: Stories from a Mysterious Land 3 October 2014 – March 2015 This multi-disciplinary exhibition will explore the natural history and culture of this immense, mysterious territory lying eastwards of Russia’s Urals mountain range. Often considered a vast, hostile, snow-covered landscape, Siberia is not the same everywhere and this exhibition will help change this stereotype. . Stunning images of majestic Siberian landscapes, wildlife and local people will combine with costume, cultural objects borrowed from British and Russian museums. This will be the first exhibition on Siberia held in the UK. Contact For further information please email museum.press@manchester.ac.uk Or contact Kathryn Box, Marketing Officer, Manchester Museum: Kathryn.box@manchester.ac.uk 0161 306 1584 Notes to Editors About Manchester Museum Manchester Museum is the UK’s largest university museum and all of its collections are designated by the government as being of national and international importance. As a university museum, Manchester Museum uses its international collection of human and natural history for enjoyment and inspiration. Working with people from all backgrounds, the Museum provokes debate and reflection about the past, present and future of the earth and its inhabitants and uses its collection to promote understanding between cultures and to help work towards a sustainable world. Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL Tel: 0161 275 2648 Opening times: 10am-5pm every day. Closed: 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan www.manchester.ac.uk/museum