You may have heard of Charles Darwin, he has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history. Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the Science of Evolution. Now you have the opportunity to find out more about this famous figure and more at Treasures of the Natural World at ArtScience Museum.
For the first time in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the exhibition showcases over 200 of the star objects from the world renowned Natural History Museum in London featuring unique treasures that have been hand-picked from over 80 million specimens, representing the best of the museum’s collection including priceless artefacts and invaluable specimens that have shaped our understanding of the Natural World. The exhibition will be held from 25 November 2017 to 29 April 2018.
Visitors are able to observe and learn about how specimens are collected and how they have influenced and inspired the scientific minds of Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace and others.
Giraffe Head donated by Walter Rothschild
Water buffalo horns given to Sir Hans Sloane by his patient and it is the longest horns ever recorded. There are many more specimens at the exhibition, do prepare to spend some time exploring and learning more about them.
Key highlights of Treasures of the Natural World:
Treasure Trail for Children
Multisensory cabinet
Kids can explore the interactive treasure hunt specially curated by ArtScience Museum to engage children, families and schools. The multisensory cabinet features tactile drawers, a sound box, a peep hole, a light box, an excavation drawer and kirigami drawers. It is inspired by Sir Hans Sloane, whose vast private collection of natural history specimens formed the basis of the British Museum and later, the Natural History Museum.
Where’s Wallace?
Where’s Wallace at Treasures of the Mind
Where’s Wallace is a large wall graphic located within the Treasures of the Mind gallery invites visitors to find Wallace based on Alfred Russel Wallace, who is a British naturalist, and his contributions to the study of evolution. It also features the famous Wallace Line, the faunal boundary line drawn in 1859 by Wallace separating the eco-zones of Asia and Wallacea. Find 18 hidden collectibles inspired by both Wallace’s life and his collection displayed within the gallery.
Treasures of Exploration
Find out more about stories of the brilliant explorers who were not only smart but also courageous. This section showcases Captain James Cook’s first voyage to Australia and New Zealand, Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition to reach the South Pole and HMS Challenger’s 1872 exploration of the deep oceans.
Each of the expedition gave important scientific evidence which was only attainable as these explorers dared to be pioneers. Visitors have the opportunity to go onboard a specially constructed tall ship, and be creative and imagine your very own epic voyage as an explorer.
Treasures of Life are Everywhere
Participate in interactive activity at Treasures of Life are Everywhere
At this part of the gallery, it will remind us that the beauty and wonder of nature is also fragile and sensitive to changes. At this activity station, visitors are able to create their own tiger and orangutan. You have a choice of bringing it back or place your creation within a simulated rainforest.
Visitors get to have a close up view and understand some of the extinct animals like dodo to demonstrate the threat humanity poses to nature’s treasures. The interactive activity is inspired by ArtScience Museum’s augmented reality project, Into the Wild, which raises awareness about the plight of critically endangered species within Southeast Asia.
A Museum for A Modern World
This is the last section of the exhibition where it provides visitors with an opportunity to take a close look at the scientific pursuits and breakthroughs undertaken by the 350 research scientists working at Natural History Museum. The final interactive activity in the treasure hunt, is a digital laboratory that shows how scientists use natural history to solve problems.
A Day in the Life of an Ornithologist Workshop
Busy Beaks – Experiment and learn what is the right tool for birds to pick out its type of food.
Wing It! – Learn to make your own paper bird and explore how they manoeuvre, fly and at high-speed.
Use the journal to record the observation you made during the workshop.
Waddle This Way – Kids will match the object to the bird’s feet that has a similar physical structure. Experience using different objects to find the correct match.
Kids can learn, observe, experiment and go hands-on to record and role-play in this highly interactive, ‘wings-on’ workshop. What’s more, they can bring back the journal to continue with their learning and observation of the nature and a wealth of knowledge!
A Day in the Life of an Ornithologist Workshop
Family Fridays on 22 & 29 December, 5 & 12 January 2018 at 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Venue: Rainbow Room, Basement 2
$5 per participant. Up to 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. For the latest update, please click HERE.
Thank you to the friendly and dedicated ArtScience Museum team for the interesting, educating and meaningful workshop. We have learnt so much about the wonders and treasure of the natural world!
Let’s all do our part to save and protect our environment!
Treasures of the Natural World
Exhibition dates: 25 November 2017 till 29 April 2018
Operating Hours: 10am – 7pm daily
(Last Admission at 6pm)
Venue:
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands
For more information on the exhibition and ticket prices, please visit http://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/treasure.htm