Exhibitions and Displays

All exhibitions and displays at the Museum are FREE. Find out what's on and what's coming up.

Magic Worlds

Until 4 March 2012
Delve into the realms of fantasy, illusion and enchantment with our major new exhibition revealing how magic has been embraced for hundreds of years. Magicians were and are held in high regard, some as popular entertainers and some as higher beings. From the Indian rope trick to Derren Brown’s modern take on illusion, adults and children alike have always been in awe of magic and its practitioners.

Julia Margaret Cameron

Until 19 February 2012
A small display featuring portraits of children by Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-79), one of the most influential figures in early photography.

The Stuff of Nightmares

Until 26 February 2012
When re-told to children, fairy tales often assume an air of innocence. Good always triumphs over evil, heroes are selfless and love is everlasting. Some fairy tales however, explore the darker side of a child’s imaginary landscape.

The Value of the Paw

Until 7 May 2012
A display bringing together a selection of work by the contemporary British sculptor Cathie Pilkington.

140th Anniversary

25 February - 8 July 2012
Originally inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Museum building began its move east from South Kensington in 1867.

Playing In or Out?

24 March - 4 November 2012
Are kids today deprived of the outdoor adventures of previous generations? Do contemporary children mainly exercise their fingers on computer keyboards, TV and game controls rather than kicking a ball about in the street?

Beautiful Games

31 March - 9 September 2012
What makes an athlete successful? How does the latest technology help us to become faster and stronger? And where do we draw the line between fair play and downright cheating?

Past Exhibitions and Displays

Find out more about some of the exhibitions and displays you may have missed at the Museum.

Photo: Sally Hammond, age 10 for Kingsmead Eyes