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MGM 2008 - Nottingham Kicks Off Museums And Galleries Month In Style
By Joanna Shimwell
02/05/2008
Image: Photo of three women in 1940s dress
Bank Holiday Monday will be celebrated 1940s style at Brewhouse Yard Museum. © Joanna Shimwell
Nottingham’s Old Market Square celebrated the launch of Museums and Galleries Month on May 1 with costume-clad figures and a range of stands advertising what’s happening throughout the month.
Visitors could look at an exciting collection of items from Wollaton Hall’s Natural History Museum and Nottingham Castle’s impressive display of ceramics.
Image: Photo of a man in soldiers uniform
All sorts of characters were to be seen on Market Square. © Joanna Shimwell
Costumed characters representing the history of Nottingham’s heritage sites were giving out information telling people what the city has to offer as part of the national scheme to promote museums and galleries.
Organiser Jo Kemp says there is something to interest everyone, including the chance to visit museums in the evening. On May 16 you can spend ‘A Night at the Museum’ at Wollaton Hall with movies and music to suit families.
“It’s about trying to engage people who don’t normally visit museums and galleries and who wouldn’t consider themselves as regular museum goers," said Jo. "We’ve been talking to people today who’ve never been to the Castle because they don’t know what’s on offer.”
Image: Photo of a woman in an ermine trimmed robe in a square
This fetching lady also helped spread the word about MGM 2008. © Joanna Shimwell
One of the most exciting events is a 1940s style ‘Knees-Up’ on May 5, when over a hundred costumed actors will celebrate May Day at Nottingham’s Brewhouse Yard Museum. Expect to see vintage vehicles, singing, and dancing. The Red Cross will be painting ‘wounds’ on people and there will even be a mini air-raid.
“We use the whole site, and there’s so much to do the place will be buzzing,” said Ann Inscker from Brewhouse Yard.
Full listings for MGM 2008 events can be found by searching the 24 Hour Museum's What's On section for dates in May.
Joanna Shimwell is one of our three Renaissance East Midlands arts writers, reporting on MGM 2008 events all over the region for the whole month of May. Renaissance is the groundbreaking initiative to transform England's regional museums, led by MLA, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Wollaton Hall , Wollaton Park, Nottingham, NG8 2AE, Nottinghamshire, England
Open: Open Every Day
11:00am - 4:00pm November to March
11:00am - 5:00pm April to October
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Castle Museum & Art Gallery, off Friar Lane, Nottingham, NG1 6EL, Nottinghamshire, England
Open: Castle is now open 10 - 5pm daily (last entrance 4.30pm).
Brewhouse Yard - Museum of Nottingham Life
Brewhouse Yard - Museum of Nottingham Life, Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 1FB, Nottinghamshire, England
T: 0115 915 3600
Open: Daily 10:00am - 16:30pm
Last Entry 16:00pm
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