A New Exhibition Prepares for 'launch' at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery
Space Age - A Launch Party For All the Family
Saturday 27 February 10am – 5pm
Prepare for lift off, Space Age: Exploration, Design and Popular Culture launches at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 27 February, and everyone is invited to the party!
The free launch party (pun intended) will give visitors the chance to catch a first glimpse of the exhibition as well as take part in a whole day of fun for all the family. Visitors can make flying saucers, take an intergalactic trail, win prizes plus meet a team of Storm Troopers as the 99th Imperial Garrison drops by.
Showcasing Mars meteorites, NASA space food and a cosmonaut suit alongside iconic toys, furniture and space age fashion, the exhibition explores our fascination with space and its impact on popular culture.
Space Age charts the journey from the first astronomers of 2000BC to the space race and NASA’s plans to land man on Mars. Or for those who prefer science fiction to science fact, there’s a chance to delve into the world of fantasy with Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who memorabilia on display.
Gill Scott, exhibition officer at South Shields Museum & Gallery, says: “We can’t wait to launch this exhibition, it’s going to appeal to so many people – whether they love astronomy or sci-fi or grew up surrounded by ‘space age’ TV, clothes and culture.
“I’m particularly excited about meeting the Storm Troopers on launch day – even if people haven’t visited the museum before I can guarantee that that will be a great time to come along and have a peek!”
South Tyneside Museums manager Alisdair Wilson adds: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Space Age to the North East – it’s the first of many landmark exhibitions for South Shields Museum and Art Gallery during our 150th year.”
The exhibition is appearing in South Shields as part of a national tour from the V&A Museum of Childhood and is a must-see for all the family. A treasure trove of nostalgia and toys that have spanned the decades, it’s a fascinating experience for those making their first big steps as well as those who remember Neil Armstrong making his in 1969.
Space Age is open from 27 February until 16 May 2010. A full events programme runs alongside the exhibition with highlights including an event with Man on the Moon author Simon Bartram, a chance to handle some real moon rock and an invasion of the Daleks: for more information call (0191) 456 8740.