27 April 2009

University throws open doors for Show Scotland 2009

Pioneering x-rays, an extensive collection of zoological exhibits and an array of art, science and natural history will be on public display around the University of Dundee this weekend as it joins in Show Scotland 2009.

Show Scotland, the museums and galleries big events weekend is back, this year taking place 1- 4 May 2009 with lots more creative and unusual events for all the family. Throughout the Show Scotland weekend museums and galleries across the country will open their doors to a fantastic range of events including late night openings with live entertainment, fun family activities and specially created arts performances.

The University of Dundee Museum Collections have several events planned as part of the weekend.

Saturday 2 May 2-4.30pm
The D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum - Open Afternoon
Carnelley Building, University of Dundee

Originally founded in the 1880s, the University’s Zoology Museum has recently been moved to a new home with more specimens on show. Outside the summer months the museum is normally open only by appointment, so why not take this chance to see the extraordinary variety of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles from around the world? This event is part of the Tayside Biodiversity Festival.

Saturday 2 May 11am & Sunday 3 May 11am & 2pm
Hawkhill House - Guided Tours
5-7 Hawkhill Place, University of Dundee

Acquired by the University of Dundee in the 1960s, this charming 18th century farmhouse now houses the main stores and offices of the University Museum Services. Curator Matthew Jarron will give guided tours of the building, revealing some of its history and highlights of the University’s unique collections of art, science and natural history. Pre-booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Monday 4 May 2-4pm
Tayside Medical History Museum - Open Afternoon
Medical School Foyer, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

Located within the Medical School at Ninewells Hospital, the museum holds one of the best medical collections in Scotland. Why not come along for guided tours of the exhibitions and storerooms? Find out about Dundee’s x-ray pioneer and how surgery was done in the days before anaesthetics.

For details of all Show Scotland events taking place across the country visit www.showscotland.com.

Show Scotland is coordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland and has been running since 2006.

Notes to Editors

• Show Scotland 2009 takes place in museums and galleries across Scotland over the Scottish Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 1 - Monday 4 May. www.showscotland.com for details.
• Show Scotland takes place annually of the Scottish May Bank Holiday.
• Show Scotland is co-ordinated by Museums Galleries Scotland and is supported by Pointsize Wolffe & Co, Lightmaker and EAE Ltd and the Daily Record is the Show Scotland 2009 media sponsor.

For further information please contact:
Matthew Jarron, Curator of Museum Services, University of Dundee
Tel: 01382 384310 Email: museum@dundee.ac.uk

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk