With so much earthbound doom and gloom at the moment, it makes a refreshing change to reach for the stars and think of space. That’s what visitors of all ages are being invited to do at the launch of an exciting new exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro on Saturday January 24.
Entitled Space Age: Exploration and Popular Culture and created by the V & A Museum of Childhood in London, the exhibition will include real space objects together with space designs and toys. Children who attend the launch are being invited to dress up in suitable space-inspired costumes for which they will receive a prize. Outside, weather permitting, there will be a chance for visitors to dress up as an astronaut and have their picture taken and, at 4.30pm, they can also take part in some star-gazing with the Brannel Astronomical Society.
“This year is the International Year of Astronomy and the Royal Institution of Cornwall is celebrating this with the Space Age Exhibition at the museum and the Spring Lecture in May,” said Hilary Bracegirdle, the museum’s director.
“People have always been fascinated by space and this excellent exhibition demonstrates how much that fascination has influenced popular culture – from literature and comics to film, designs and merchandising, including childhood toys.
“The exhibition shows the relationship between reality and fantasy – and a little bit of fantasy is something that we could probably all do with at the moment. There will be plenty of family-focussed, interactive activities for everyone to enjoy.”
The exhibition, which has been part-funded by Renaissance in the Regions, will continue until April 18. The launch on Saturday January 24 will take place from 1pm to 4pm. Entrance is free.
In February half term families can enjoy Space Age mini-makes. In May Dr. Allan Chapman from Oxford University will speak on “John Couch Adams FRS – Astronomical Discoverer and Cornishman” at the Royal Institution of Cornwall’s Spring Lecture. Tickets for that event will be available from the museum in due course.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here