Ancient Egypt: Life along the River Nile 27 May 2017 – 21 April 2018 Heritage Gallery Be transported down the Nile into ancient Egypt and discover this fascinating world through centuries-old exhibits from the land of the pharaohs. Preserved and buried for thousands of years, the stunning objects in this exhibition range from a wonderful set of canopic jars to small pieces of intricate jewellery. Featuring objects from Rochdale’s own Egyptian collection, this exhibition spans over 4,000 years of history.
Frocks: Dress and Accessories from the Museum Collection Until 22 April 2017 | Heritage Gallery Take a look at a century of style from the amazing structured garments worn during the Victorian period to the swirling designs of the swinging 60s. Featuring dresses and accessories that have never been previously displayed, the exhibition reveals how fashion, shape and style have changed over time.
Vessels and pots, amulets, mirrors, tools and animal mummies tell the story of the everyday life of its people and their beliefs. Discover what beauty meant to the ancient Egyptians through the personal belongings that accompanied them into the afterlife. Take a glimpse at a civilisation whose focus on appearance is not dissimilar to our own.
Opening up… memories, conversations and heritage
Visitors of all ages can journey through the centuries to write their name in hieroglyphics, learn to prepare and wrap a mummy and take a ride in an ancient Egyptian river boat.
Until June 2017 | At Middleton Arena This community led exhibition invited people who attend Alzheimer’s Society Memory Cafes to take part in art activities and behind the scenes tours of the Museum Collection to trigger memories from the past including stories of glamourous followers of fashion, working life in the local textile mills and ‘Whit Walks’. Inspired by their stories, artists Alison Cooper, Patricia Cartner and Vincent James have created new illustrations and sculpture to sit alongside museum objects in this exciting display.
Opening up II… memories, conversations and heritage Until October 2017 | At Heywood Sports Village The second part of a community led project and exhibition which invites people who attend Alzheimer’s Society Memory Cafes to take part in art activities. Exploring historic objects to trigger memories, the group have shared stories and sparked inspiration for the new exhibition. The personal experiences of the participants past are brought to the forefront, challenging perceptions of people living with dementia which can often be seen as an obstacle to revealing the true person.
Fashion: Dress and Accessories from the Museum Collection From June 2017 until January 2018 | At Middleton Arena A chance to see a selection of the Museum’s Collection of female dress and accessories. This exhibition features a beautiful 1950s outfit and a 1960s Jaeger woollen suit alongside an Ossie Clarke dress from the early 1970s. As well as clothing, a striking selection of accessories such as shoes, jewellery, handbags and hats are included in the exhibition.
As well as our changing exhibitions spaces, we have a permanent museum at Touchstones which aims to tell a potted history of Rochdale. The Museum is ideally suited to visitors with an interest in the history of Rochdale or families. There are interactive exhibits, films, audios and objects from the borough’s Collection on display.
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