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Manchester Museum’s opens newly renovated gallery this weekend

12 Dec 2014

An enchanted world awaits at Nature Discovery

The Forest

Once upon a time…there was an enchanted world full of trees and meadows with creatures up on high and deep inside the undergrowth.

Manchester Museum’s newly renovated Nature Discovery gallery is an imaginative space that encourages children to lead their adults through an object rich exploration of the natural world.

Under 5s and their families will be able to search for creatures, create fantastical stories based on the natural world and immerse themselves in a series of habitats.

‘The Forest’ provides a focal point for the gallery with a beautiful and enchanting 3D paper ‘story book’ art installation, developed in collaboration with artist Helen Musselwhite. Between the paper cut trees, visitors will be able to glimpse a variety of animals, from small insects to large creatures, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

And it opens this weekend with a series of Big Saturday events:

  • Saturday 13 December, 11am-4pm, Winter Wonderland

There will be nature-inspired crafts and activities for all the family, with the chance to get into the festive spirit, make paper craft decorations, help decorate the Museum’s tree, and handle Museum objects. There will be short story telling sessions in the gallery throughout the afternoon (please book on the day) and a drop-in sensory play session throughout the day for babies and their carers. Free, drop-in, all ages.

  • Saturday 13 December, 9am, Early Opening for Early Birds

Enjoy self-led tours, object handling and craft activities. Just the Living Worlds gallery will be open at 9am - you can explore the rest of the Museum from 10am.

  • Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December, Saturday 27 to Tuesday 30 December and Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 January, 11am-4pm, Nature Discovery activities

Paper cut Christmas cards and New Year calendars. Drop-in, free, all ages.

  • Tuesday 6 January, 10.30-11.15am, 11.30am-12.15pm and 1-1.45pm, Baby Explorers

Book on 0161 275 2648 (Bookings will be taken a week in advance from 2pm), free.