Only 10 Days To Go!

Tue, 20 Aug 2002

Only 10 Days To Go!

The Opening of the Otago Museum's new landmark gallery, Southern Land, Southern People is only days away - 10 days in fact! Opening on the evening of 30 August, this marks the beginning of a new era for Otago Museum.

Very soon you will discover the treasures and special stories of Southern New Zealand - from Aoraki/Mount Cook to the Sub-Antarctic Islands. Discover a region of superlatives and extremes ... driest, wettest, coldest, highest, windiest, wildest, most remote. Southern Land, Southern People explains the origins of our demanding landscape and environment, how people discovered and explored it, how they utilised its natural resources, and how its challenging nature rubbed off on the people in the form of 'southern character'.

Journey through geological time. Enjoy a close encounter with the superb fossil collections from the University of Otago recording our history over 500 million years. Discover New Zealand's largest fossil, the Shag Point plesiosaur - a striking sea-serpent like creature. See the first proof that crocodiles once roamed Central Otago when it was an everglades-like land. Meet the largest collection of moa skeletons in New Zealand and find out why these incredible birds became extinct. Investigate the southern lifestyle with stories of pioneering ingenuity and success - learn how Maori and Europeans explored and settled Southern New Zealand. Admire over 50 New Zealand artworks commissioned to help illustrate our vibrant stories.

Amazing collections, excellent scholarship - Southern Land, Southern People is a true celebration of the southern soul!

On the opening weekend 31 August and 1 September there will be guided tours of this new Gallery plus heaps of exciting events and activities, and giveaways for the family. Join us for this fabulous celebration of your place!

For more information please contact Clare Wilson, Development & Planning Manager 03 4747473 or cell 027 244 9378, or Gareth Lyness, Marketing Officer 03 4747474 ext 845

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