Special Happenings

A Glimpse into the Mysterious World of Ancient China...
The Museum is proud to present a special exhibition entitled "Emperors, Warriors and Scientists of Ancient China". China has one of the oldest civilisations in the world, extending at least 5000 years back in time. Many scientific and technological developments are based in this ancient culture.

The exhibition includes some incredible artefacts. There are fine terracotta foot soldiers, buried with the emperor Zing Shi Huang in 300 BC and unearthed in Xian, China in 1972. Each soldier's face is different and it is believed that the statues were modelled from real members of the Emperor's bodyguard. There is also a magnificent war chariot, more than 2000 years old, which was also discovered in Xian in the year 1974. A jade garment sewn with gold thread is something not to be missed. This exquisite item consists of more than 200 pieces of jade, sewn together with threads of gold. It was buried with Liu Sheng, the Lord of Zhong Shan Jing of the West Hand Dynasty in 112 BC, and excavated in 1968. A bronze rhinoceros and many other artefacts can be viewed in this Chinese hall of treasures.

This fascinating exhibition is complemented by authentic Chinese music playing in the background and traditional handicrafts that can be purchased as souvenirs of this exotic experience.

The exhibition will be on display until December 1998. Entrance fee: R20 per adult, R10 per child. This includes access to all the Museum's galleries and amenities.

New Wings...
The opening ceremony of the new wings and biodomes of the museum took place on 15 May 1998. This was a big celebration, as it coincided with the opening of Museum Park. The museum's part of the festivities included the opening of its new exhibition "Herbs and Spices of the World", the rededication of the dinosaur models made for "The Lost World" and donated to the museum by Edgars, the display "You can be an Astronaut too!" and the opening of the vastly improved Gogga Zoo.

(For more wildlife events, visit the Wildlife Diary.)