Archived on 6/5/2022

Horniman Museum’s new gallery puts the human story on show

SE23.life

27 Sep '17

Also featured in today’s print edition

The Horniman Museum will open a new World Gallery next June displaying more than 3,000 objects from across the globe to show “what it means to be human”.

A five-year project to transform half of the current building in Forest Hill is nearing completion following a £3.3 million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The new gallery is the most radical change to the Horniman’s collection since it was established by tea trader and MP Frederick Horniman in 1901 with a vision to “bring the world to Forest Hill”.

Museum chiefs said they had obtained new artefacts and taken rarely seen objects out of storage for the collection, which will show how ancient peoples tackled challenges such as climate change and migration.

Robert Storrie, keeper of anthropology at the Horniman, said: “The World Gallery will display more than 3,000 objects from our collections, in a beautiful and joyful space that celebrates human creativity, imagination and adaptability.

“The displays will show how things connect people — practically and emotionally — as well as giving each of us a glimpse into other ways of understanding our world.”

Janet Vitmayer, the Horniman’s chief executive, said the new gallery will help to “open our minds to the many different ways people live their lives… shining a light on human stories across time and across continents”.

SE23.life

30 Sep '17

HornimanMuseum

2 Oct '17

We need your help - World Gallery Crowdfunding Appeal

Some of you may have noticed the scaffolding around the Horniman or noticed that we have a couple of galleries closed. We have been working on developing a new World Gallery, celebrating what it means to be human. It will include more than 3,000 objects from around the world, works of art and fun things to touch, play with and even smell. The World Gallery will be a place of inspiration for visitors of all ages and will promote tolerance, respect and empathy.

Thank you to so many of you who have already supported and shared the World Gallery crowdfunding appeal. We have got off to a great start but we still really need your help to make this a success!

Please share the link https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/worldgallery with all your friends, family, neighbours and everyone you know who loves the Horniman, and help us reach our target of £30,000.

HornimanMuseum

31 Oct '17

World Gallery Crowdfunding Appeal update

Thank you to so many of you who have already pledged and shared the crowdfunder, we’ve been bowled over by your support!

We still need your help to reach our target of £30,000. Please continue to share the link http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/worldgallery/ with all your friends, family, neighbours and everyone you know who loves the Horniman, and help us make this campaign a success.

There are now just 7 days remaining for everyone to be a part of our World Gallery crowdfunding campaign. Don’t miss out on rewards ranging from tote bags to tours – and we have just released two new benefits of a limited edition print and a behind-the-scenes visit to our store. The campaign ends on 7 November.

The World Gallery, opening in June 2018, will celebrate the wonder and complexity of what it means to be human, with 3,000 extraordinary objects from our internationally important Anthropology collection displayed in a transformed gallery space.

applespider

7 Nov '17

I got an email tonight to let me know that the Horniman made their crowdfunding target. Congratulations and will look forward to seeing the new World Gallery!