Festivals and Films

James Cook: Discovery of the South Seas

From 11 May 2010 to 12 Sep 2010

12 May - 13 September 2010. Captain James Cook made a significant contribution to Europe's knowledge of the hitherto mythical southern continent, by undertaking three circumnavigations of the globe between 1768 and 1779. Accompanied by a team of scientists and artists, who catalogued the region's flora, fauna and people, Captain Cook began charting the South Pacific and the Northwest Passage. During his lifetime he gained the status of a heroic explorer by discovering such 'paradise islands' as Hawaii, where he later met his violent death. Cook's journeys and his team's subsequent breakthroughs in astronomy, natural history and geography are illustrated by the display of 500 artefacts including jewellery, clothing and weapons.

Wed-Mon: 10.00-18.00. Closed Tuesday.