Leicester’s New Walk Museum and Art Gallery will open its doors this weekend for a family-themed fun day to mark its 170thanniversary.
The much-loved landmark museum, which is the largest in the city and home to dinosaur, Ancient Egyptian and Picasso Ceramics galleries among others, is holding the celebration event on Saturday, June 22, from 11am to 4pm.
Visitors will be able to explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits, try their hand at sketching with the Leicester Society of Artists, paint pictures in a specially-created craft area, and make music with community music organisation, Leicester Drum and Brass.
Experts in local heritage and natural science will be on hand to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the museum and its huge collection of enthralling artefacts. They will include two eminent Egyptologists – Professor Joann Fletcher and Dr Stephen Buckley – who will help visitors exploring the museum’s renowned Egyptian Gallery.
New Walk Museum and Art Gallery dates from 1849, since which time it has grown to become one of the city’s top free-to-enter tourist attractions. In addition to its interactive dinosaur gallery, visitors can explore the natural world in Wild Space, The Den gallery for the under-fives, the Victorian art gallery, Arts and Crafts gallery, Picasso Ceramics: The Attenborough Collection and a range of modern and contemporary art displays.
The first floor galleries include Life and Death in Ancient Egypt, World Arts and Leicester’s internationally renowned collection of German Expressionism. The museum also offers a range of temporary exhibitions and events from children’s craft activities to lunchtime concerts.
Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “New Walk Museum has a long history at the heart of the city’s heritage and culture, so it’s fantastic so see it reach such a milestone anniversary.
“There are outstanding collections such as the Picasso Ceramics, Dinosaur Gallery and German Expressionists exhibition, along with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. This open event is the perfect way to explore what’s on offer with the help of expert guides and contributors.”
Other organisations on hand at the event will include the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, Leicestershire Ancient Egypt Society, Leicester Civic Society, Leicestershire Industrial History Society, Leicestershire and Rutland Bat Group, East Midlands Geological Society and the Richard III Society.
New Walk Museum is open from 11am to 4.30pm every weekday, and 11am to 5pm every weekend.
More details about the anniversary event are available at www.visitleicester.info
