The inner mummy coffin at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery will star in Museums at Night 2009 tours of the spruced-up venue. Picture © PCMAG, courtesy Polly Stock
The Light Fantastic, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery's tours of monstrous artefacts as part of Museums at Night 2009, is a classic example of the opportunity the weekend conveniently provides to see some of the swankiest recent museum developments under the cover of darkness.
The Museum stormed through a quality assessment following the completion of a £1.4 million refurbishment in April 2009, praised by inspectors for the scope and presentation of galleries taking in Ancient Egypt, Roman archaeology, bone models from local maritime history and objects from across the world.
A hippo skull should prove particularly popular. Picture © PCMAG, courtesy Polly Stock
Assessor John Macknelly said the Museum "could easily be used as a benchmark," and The Light Fantastic will offer tours of bird skeletons, Iron Age remains, a mummy coffin and a hippo skull, which Audience Development Officer Jo Clarke said was particularly popular with children.
"It should be plenty of fun for everyone who comes along," she predicted, outlining plans to highlight "key items" from the collections. "We've got our torches at the ready."
Visitor Services Manager Mark Tosdevin said the night would be "a major feature" in a programme of free activities at the Museum this May.
"The recession is not an easy time for many families living in and around the city, so we're really pleased to be able to offer a Museums at Night event," he added.
Free, non-bookable art activities, light-themed trails and a shop and café will also be running throughout the evening.
Runs Friday May 15, 6pm – 9pm, tours at 6.15pm, 6.45pm, 7.15pm, 7.45pm and 8.15pm. Admission free, advance booking required for tours, call 01752 304774.
