June
Every Tues & Thurs, 12-1pm
Tours of the Vivarium
A number of Zoology students are organizing free Vivarium tours to share their knowledge of the animals whilst highlighting some of the fundamental conservation and education work that is being carried out. The tours will also be given monthly in both Spanish and French.
Book on ManchesterMuseumVivarium@gmail.com, free, 13+
May/Jun half term
Mon 30 May-Fri 3 Jun / 11am-4pm
Living Worlds
What would happen if we had no minibeasts like dung beetles and earthworms? Would Planet Earth be the same again? Create an animal or plant and add it to our giant paper chain of life.
Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. All ages
Conservation and sustainability talks
Every Sat between Sat 7 May & Sat 11 Jun
Did pre-historic hunters live in balance with nature or over exploit their resources? How can we make sure our current food resources, such as fishing, are harvested sustainably? Join museum and university experts along with 6 objects from the Museum’s collection to explore the history of sustainability and how we might become more sustainable.
Sat 4 Jun / 2-3pm: The bread of the Tropics
Originally native to South America, Manioc is now a staple in the entire tropics. Film-maker and photographer duo Ali and Sumiko Anzai-May, will talk about the history of how humans have used plants for their own use, and what impact that has had on the natural world.
Sat 11 Jun / 2-3pm: Spending to save
What do we know about the current balance between economy and nature? Johan Oldekop, The University of Manchester, will discuss the interaction between money and credit as we struggle to protect biodiversity.
Book on 0161 275 2648, free, adults and older children
Showcase lecture
Wed 8 Jun / 3-4.30pm
Contested points: a 1920s archaeological controversy
Bryan Sitch, The Manchester Museum.
Drop-in, free, adults
Thurs 9 Jun / 6.30-8pm
Poetic inspirations
An evening of poetry reading inspired by the Museum’s collection.
Drop-in, free, adults and older children
Big Saturday
Sat 11 Jun / 11am-4pm
Journey to the West
The classic Chinese fantasy novel Journey to the West is loosely based on a journey made by a Buddhist Monk, in the 7th Century in search of Buddhist scriptures. The Monk has three powerful disciples who protect him on his journey, during which they encounter and overcome several monsters and demons. Encounter some of these monsters, handle objects, make a shadow puppet and more. Part of our CHINA: JOURNEY TO THE EAST exhibition.
Most activities are free and drop-in. Some activities may need to be booked on the day and may cost up to £1.50. All ages
Sat 11 Jun / 12-4pm
Student allotment party
Come for a biodiverse student allotment party with live music and workshops to celebrate the Museum's new allotment.
Drop-in, free, students (all students welcome)
Sat 11 Jun / 6-9pm
Student social
Come to a late night opening with music, workshops, biodiversity and refreshments to celebrate the new Living Worlds gallery.
Drop-in, free, students (all students welcome)
Tues 14 Jun / 12.30-1.30pm
Confucius Institute China talks: Chinese migration
With Jiaqi Hou, The University of Manchester.
This talk will briefly introduce the Chinese presence in the UK in terms of multiple waves of immigration in the past; to highlight cultural, social-economic, and political activities of the British Chinese community. Through analyzing different levels of social integration among the Chinese population, the aim is to try to reveal and evaluate the contribution of the British Chinese towards society in a wider sense, and the improvement of Sino-UK relationship.
Part of a series of talks by The Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. Part of our CHINA: JOURNEY TO THE EAST exhibition.
Book on 0161 275 2648, free, adults and older children
Fri 24 Jun / 11am-12pm
Magic Carpet: Journey to the West
Storytelling and activity session for under 5s. Part of our CHINA: JOURNEY TO THE EAST exhibition.
Book on 0161 275 2648 (from 17 Jun), £1 per child, under 5s and their families/carers
